McCullum registers New Zealand’s fastest Test century

Christchurch, Dec 26  Skipper Brendon McCullum (195) smashed the fastest hundred (74 deliveries) in New Zealand Test history to put the hosts in command on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Hagley Oval here Friday.

McCullum bettered his own record by four deliveries as the 33-year-old hit 11 sixes – second highest in an innings in Test history – as New Zealand reached 429 for seven. James Neesham (85) and Kane Williamson (54) also punished the hapless Lankan bowlers.

McCullum feasted on the bowling attack as the visitors continuously bowled to his strengths, getting carried away by the ample carry at the Hagley Oval. They bowled way too short and the right-hander belted them away, square of the wicket, even when there were two men lurking in the deep.

With this 195-run knock in just 134 deliveries, the skipper has so far ensured that all his 50-plus scores in 2014, were converted into massive centuries- 224,302, 202, 195.

Sri Lankan debutant spinner Tharindu Kaushal also failed to contain McCullum, who also crossed the 1000-run mark in a calendar year.

New Zealand finished the day’s play on 429 for seven in the 80th over – the most they have ever made in a day's Test cricket – having maintained a run-rate of 6.63 in the final session despite McCullum's exit.