Records tumble as Brendon McCullum pummels Sri Lankan bowlers
Skipper hits fastest NZ century as cricket tests return to earthquake-hit Christchurch
New Zealand's big-hitting skipper Brendon McCullum was hailed on Boxing Day for his rollicking 195 to dramatically turn the opening day of the first cricket test against Sri Lanka.
His dominating 134-ball performance, which led New Zealand to 429 for seven at stumps, also carried special significance for the 8,000 people who packed Christchurch's Hagley Oval.
They were looking for an outstanding performance to mark the return of test cricket to the earthquake-battered city and the signs were against them until McCullum strode to the crease with New Zealand at 88 for three.
[Brendon McCullum] is so destructive. I think, probably the most destructive and domineering player who has played for New Zealand
The wicket was green and McCullum, who lost the toss, was forced to bat on a pitch where he desperately wanted to bowl.
But within a session and-a-half he had Sri Lanka on the ropes at the oval, a venue purpose-built after the city's former cricket ground at Lancaster Park was destroyed in the 2011 earthquakes that claimed 185 lives.
McCullum spread-eagled the field, smashing 18 fours and 11 sixes, in a record-breaking performance that New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan rated the best opening day in New Zealand test history.
"It was a very special day. It was the sort of day this venue and this city deserved with what they've gone through," McMillan said.
As McCullum bludgeoned the bowling, he took just 74 balls to crack the fastest century in New Zealand test history and became the first New Zealander to score 1,000 runs in a calendar year.