NZ v Australia: Brendon McCullum’s emotional speech after playing final Test match

Source: AFP
Antony Pinshaw from Fox Sports@antonypinshaw

BRENDON McCullum has signed off from international cricket with a heartfelt speech that showed why he is regarded as one of the few true statesmen of the sport.

The Kiwi captain couldn’t go out on a winning note after Australia romped to victory in the second Test in Christchurch, but he at least left fans with an unforgettable memory from his farewell match after blasting the fastest hundred in Test history earlier in the game.

However arguably his best moment came after play had finished, when he was called onto the podium during the post-match ceremony to give a speech and essentially bid farewell to playing cricket for his country.

The 34-year-old heaped praise on Steve Smith’s Australia side, vowed to repay his family for the rest of their lives for the way they have supported him, and perhaps most notably thanked his teammates for “buying into” his vision.

As McCullum said, the Black Caps got their soul back under his leadership.

Here are the highlights of McCullum’s farewell speech.

TO HIS BLACK CAPS TEAMMATES

“We’ve had some fun over the last few years I reckon.

“We’ve achieved some pretty cool things and, hey, we’ve lost some games as well but we’ve got our soul back. You’re absolutely great men and for the rest of my life I’ll remember the times that we’ve had with New Zealand, not just at home but abroad as well.

MATCH: Australia back on top of the world

“I know that with the group that’s going to take this team forward, you’ve got some fine leaders amongst you, and some even better men, and I firmly believe this team will go to a new level in the next couple of years.

“Thank you for buying into our vision. Thank you for at times being vulnerable and accepting that we had to play the game differently, and above all else thank you for committing to the vision that we had.

“Good luck to you all – we’ve got plenty of beers to drink.”

TO AUSTRALIA’S PLAYERS

“You guys have proven why you’re the No. 1 team in the world.

“When you arrived here we felt we were a chance. You blew us off the park in both Test matches and you showed why you’re such a quality team.

McCullum (R) shakes hands with Steve Smith after Australia wrapped up victory.Source: AAP

“I thought both games were played in an incredible spirit and we got on really well. I think you guys are fine ambassadors for your country and you’ve got a great leader in Steve Smith as well.

“Good luck in the future, and we’ll have a few beers in years to come.”

TO NEW ZEALAND’S FANS

“We’ve been through our ups and downs as a team but I hope that you guys are incredibly proud of the group of men that we have, not just here but have represented the team over the last few years as well.

“It means everything to the players to represent their country with pride and passion and to try do it with a smile on their face as well.

“We’ve seen over the last six to 12 months the way that you guys have really turned up at each ground around the country and supported this team through thick and thin as well. I hope that continues for the next little while, I’m sure it will.

McCullum with his wife Ellissa at Hagley Oval during his final Test match.Source: Getty Images

“These guys are a great bunch of men and they’ll serve you well over the next couple of years.”

TO HIS FAMILY

“It’s a tough place as a cricketer, playing as many years as you do and spending as much time away from home as you do. You can’t do that without the support and love and dedication of your family.

“You guys have allowed me to live my dream over the last 14 years. I said I’d pay you back for the rest of my life, Lis (wife Ellissa), and I do mean that.”