McCullum enjoying view from beyond the boundary
Brendon McCullum, the Black Caps great who led New Zealand to the Cricket World Cup final four years ago, couldn’t be more proud of the team he left behind and has offered some wise words as they gear up for this year’s tournament in May.
The 37-year-old these days is more than happy to watch the World Cup build up as a “fan of New Zealand cricket”.
Speaking while playing at the 100th New Zealand Open golf pro-am in Queenstown, McCullum said he impressed with the Black Caps both on and off the field over the past few years and says they have a realistic chance at taking out the World Cup.
“I think they’re flying,” he says. “They’ve done really well. The last couple years they’ve been superb [under] Kane Williamson’s leadership and also the seniors within that team as well.
“They’ve really stood up and performed brilliantly over the last few years. They’re going into the World Cup with a realistic chance and that’s fantastic. .
“I also think the public’s become really endeared to the New Zealand cricket team, too, because of the way they carry themselves as people as well as cricketers. And they play the game in the right spirit and the right manner. I couldn’t be prouder of the boys and they’re doing a great job.”
McCullum was renowned for his batting prowess and aggression, but his greatest contribution to New Zealand cricket might have been as a leader.
The bright lights of big international
They’ve really stood up and
performed brilliantly over the last few years.
Brendon McCullum
tournaments never seemed to faze McCullum, his audacious four over extra cover on the first ball he faced at the 2015 World Cup being a reminder of the ice-cool blood in his veins.
And, as he watches this year from the sidelines, the former skipper put his leadership hat back on and offered the team sage advice.
“Just stay true to those things that have worked well for you in the lead up to the World Cup. Just because there’s more pressure on, it doesn’t matter. When all those around you are losing their head, it’s important you keep yours.”
His cautious optimism seems to be shared by the team. But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Gary Stead’s men in the lead up to the tournament in England and Wales.
The man to fill McCullum’s role in the opening pairing with Martin Guptill has become one of the big talking points ahead of the World Cup squad announcement in April.
“It’ll be interesting who they go with because they’re two very different players,” he says about the Black Caps’ selection conundrum.
“I haven’t seen the World Cup squad, obviously, but [Colin] Munro or [Henry] Nicholls, they’re both very good players. Or there’s other guys up there as well who can step up. Just depends what style of cricket they want to play, really.”
Given those perceived issues, having someone of McCullum’s calibre back and available might have been a tantalising prospect for fans. But McCullum won’t be trading in his golf cheese-cutter cap for a black one.
“Nah [coming out of retirement], hasn’t crossed my mind. I’m too busy playing a bit of golf,” he laughs.
“I’m a fan of New Zealand cricket, now. At some point, I’ll enter some commentary and coaching as well. And this year will be my last year of actually playing. I’ve got a couple of leagues which I’ve already got contracts for which I’ll fulfil but then I’ll look to make that transition and just sit back and watch the Black Caps play.”