Brendon McCullum makes history with triple ton
New Zealand captain becomes first player from his country to reach landmark in epic fightback against India
Captain Brendon McCullum became the first New Zealander to score a triple century in test cricket in a 13-hour innings which ended on Tuesday as the home side posted a lead of 434 on the final day of the second test against India.
India were 10 without loss at the break at the Basin Reserve after New Zealand declared on 680 for weght, their highest-ever test score.
McCullum hit a four off Zaheer Khan to go from 298 to 302 and overtake Martin Crowe’s 299 against Sri Lanka in 1991 – also at the Basin Reserve. He was out shortly after without adding to his total when he was caught behind by Mahendra Singh Dhoni off Zaheer.
Shikhar Dhawan was on two with Murali Vijay on 7 at the interval.
New Zealand lead the two-test series 1-0 after winning the first test at Auckland by 40 runs.
Jimmy Neesham made a century on debut in a 179-run partnership with McCullum for the seventh wicket and was 137 not out when the declaration was made 20 minutes before lunch.
New Zealand’s total, which was built around the world record 352-run sixth wicket partnership between McCullum and wicketkeeper B.J. Watling (124) surpassed their previous highest test score of 671-4, made against Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve in the match where Crowe achieved his previous record total.