The second test between New Zealand and Australia at Christchurch will be high on emotions as Brendon McCullum bids adieu to the game. McCullum in his 14 years of service to New Zealand has transformed the side into a powerhouse. That has been evident by the absolute rise of the Blackcaps in the last couple of years.
Kiwi pacer Trent Boult, who has flourished under the leadership of McCullum, shares a special bond with the latter. Boult admitted that McCullum’s farewell test would be a sad moment. “His last one, it’s going to be pretty sad, to be honest. Everyone has played with him for that long and he’s good mates with everyone in the team. We’re all looking forward to running out with him for the last time,” Boult said.
“He’s changed the game, in a way. The way the New Zealanders have got behind cricket, behind the team, is because of him and his style of play, his attacking captaincy. He’s going to be sorely missed. We’ll look forward to running out with him one last time and then I’m sure he’s left the team in good hands,” the left arm pacer added. “You can put it down to a lot of things, but he’s a true leader and everyone looks up to him in the team,” Boult said. “I owe a lot to him, to be honest. He is going to be sorely missed.”
Boult also added that he would be delighted to see a greener wicket for the second test. “I think the wicket here in Wellington was a good wicket, but as a bowler I’d love to see it a lot greener of course as well,” Boult said. “That way you can get a lot more seam off the wicket. It’s going to be interesting to see what we get down there in Christchurch but I’m sure it will have a tinge of green as well.”