Brendon McCullum to retire from internationals in February

[sscomp32]

Too Early Man. He is just 34 

 to BAZ for a wonderful Career. He is on his way to finish his career without missing a test match from debut.  

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum will retire from all forms of international cricket at the end of the home series against Australia in February 2016. McCullum, 34, made the announcement in Christchurch a day after his team won the Test series against Sri Lanka 2-0.

McCullum will not play the World T20 in March in India, where Kane Williamson will captain the New Zealand team. He will play his 100th Test against Australia in Wellington from February 12 - the first player to play so many consecutive matches from debut - and retire after the second and final Test of that series, in Christchurch from February 20.

McCullum said he would have preferred to reveal his retirement after the series against Australia, but the impending announcement of New Zealand's World T20 squad had forced his hand.

"Ideally, I would have preferred to wait until after the Test in Christchurch to make this news public," he said today. "However, the schedule for naming the ICC World T20 squads means I couldn't have managed this without causing a lot of confusion and speculation - something I was keen to avoid. I've loved my opportunity to play for, and captain the BLACKCAPS, but all good things have to come to an end, and I'm just grateful for the wonderful experience of playing for my country.

"There's a time and place for reflection and that's at the end of your career. For now, I'll be giving all my attention to helping the team focus on what's coming up over the next few weeks - and making sure we're in the best possible shape for what's going to be a very challenging summer."

McCullum had stepped into the New Zealand captaincy amid much controversy over the sacking of previous captain Ross Taylor, and his first Test series as captain, in 2013, was disastrous. That series featured an innings of 45 all out for New Zealand in Cape Town, and brought the team two innings defeats.

But New Zealand made significant strides under McCullum in the years since. In particular, he was credited with formulating New Zealand's highly aggressive brand of cricket, which has brought them much success, especially at home. With the victory against Sri Lanka in Hamilton on Monday, McCullum's New Zealand equalled the team's longest undefeated home streak, of 13 Tests. McCullum's current 11 victories from 29 matches also makes his win percentage the highest of any New Zealand captain, marginally better than that of Geoff Howarth, whose team had 11 wins from 30 games.

McCullum's captaincy also saw the blossoming of several New Zealand players. Trent Boult and Tim Southee have become one of the most feared new-ball pairs in the world during the past three years, while 25-year old batsman Kane Williamson has become the top-ranked Test batsman. New Zealand also played in their first World Cup final in March, under McCullum.

What was your favourite Brendon McCullum moment? Tell us at fanfare@cricinfo.com

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/newzealand/content/story/953945.html 

[Adi_91]

Sad. He lit up IPL 1 with his great batting and was one of the heroes for NZ in the World Cup. 

[beautifulgame]

Real shame .

Favourite non-Indian cricketer .Loved his batting in last IPL .Hopefully he continues in IPL for sometime

[nevada]

One of the most entertaining cricketers ever. Hats off to him for going out on his terms making people wonder "why?" instead of "why not?".

[G_B_]

congrats to him for a fantastic career.

with so many t20 tournaments i feel many non indian players will retire much earlier.

[Sonix768]

Feel bit too early. Wish he retired only in tests. At least played the WT20. Anyway, I respect his decision.

[Scarface]

Entertaining batsman and great captain  Could've played till WT20 but he wanted to finish at home so it is understandable. 

with so many t20 tournaments i feel many non indian players will retire much earlier.

+1 Early retirement gives a good 4-5 years in the T20 leagues to secure their financial future.

[puneet28]

To many players retiring and playing leagues round the world. Even Jayawardhne and Sagakkara are playing BBL20

[TheWall]

Too early.

Superb player....

[Kippax]

Good to retires so youngster like bharat popli ,Jeet Rawal  or Henry Nichollas make their mark in international cricket but yes no NZlander in test hits 4 DBL for their country with so rapid strike rate.Amazing wicketkeeper batsman.i witness his Rapid 325 vs india [ NZ were 95 for 5 ,MaC not only smashed 325 but push scores to 680 for 8 ]

he need one more six to become highest six hitter in test cricket

[beautifulgame]

Also he definitely was the best captain in test cricket in recent times not the overhyped Clarke .

[adi B]

Good career for an average batsman.took over the test captaincy in early 2013 and changed the fortunes for nzl in that both the formats in a way.good time retire from the tests but not sure why he is retiring totally,could still play lois like dhoni does

[beautifulgame]

Good career for an average batsman.took over the test captaincy in early 2013 and changed the fortunes for nzl in that both the formats in a way.good time retire from the tests but not sure why he is retiring totally,could still play lois like dhoni does

He has chronic back issues for some time .So doubt he would want to play ODIs and field for 50 overs .Maybe T20s only