New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum on Tuesday announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket after the home series against Australia in February. This effectively means that McCullum will not take part in the 2016 World Twenty20 in March, where Kane Williamson will lead the team.
McCullum said he would have preferred to make the announcement after the series against Australia, but the impending announcement of New Zealand's T20 World Cup squad had forced his hand. "I've loved my opportunity to play for, and captain the Black Caps, but all good things have to come to an end. I'm just grateful for the wonderful experience of playing for my country," he said.
The 34-year-old will feature in his world-record 100th successive Test match on February 12 at the Basin Reserve, and will retire after the second Test at the Hagley Oval from February 20, reported PTI. McCullum has scored 6,273 runs, including 11 centuries, in his 99 Tests. He has also scored 5,909 runs in 254 One-Day Internationals, including five hundreds.
McCullum has been credited for his captaincy, transforming New Zealand into a team that plays the sport with a rare blend of aggression and excitement. Under his leadership, the Black Caps reached the final of the 50-over World Cup last year, where they lost to Australia.
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