23 Dec 2014

The Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum on his big year

From Nine To Noon, 10:05 am on 23 December 2014
Brendon McCullum.

Brendon McCullum. Photo: RNZ / Patrick Phelps

To say 2014 has been a big year for Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum doesn't even come close.

His performance on the pitch has re-written the history books with a triple century and 2 double centuries in one year.

Only Don Bradman and Michael Clarke have achieved the same.

The year started well in February, in Auckland with a man of the match performance hitting 224 to send the Black Caps on their way to win the first test against India.

The next week in Wellington came that 302 - New Zealand's first triple century.

His colossal score at the Basin Reserve securing a draw and so a 1-nil series win.

“I never felt totally in control throughout that whole innings. I think while the wicket was good the bowlers were starting to tire I guess I was kind of battling my myself to stay disciplined … mentally it was pretty draining. ”

And as if to book-end the year, last month McCullum scored a 2nd double century, this time against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

The Black Caps won the test by an innings and 80 runs.

In 2014 there was also the West Indies - home and away - a World T20 competition and hosting South Africa.

And in amongst all the cricket, there has been the match-fixing controversy when McCullum's confidential testimony to the ICC was leaked.

That story is far from over as former team mate and friend Chris Cairns prepares to stand trial in the UK on perjury charges.

Brendon told Nine to Noon, “It has been stressful. Again you just cling on to the fact that you’re trying to do the right thing and I certainly don’t regret the stance that I or anyone else involved or fighting corruption because corruption has no place in our sport.”

Next year will also be another big year for Brendon as New Zealand co-hosts the Cricket World Cup.

The Black Caps captain believes his team can go the distance, “We’re going to need a little bit of luck along the way but there’s no reason why we can’t be there at the end of it.”

Kathryn Ryan speaks to Black Caps Captain, Brendon McCullum on Nine to Noon.