Swashbuckling New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum to quit internationals

Brendon McCullum, who led New Zealand through an exhilarating two years of success, will

retire from international cricket in February after the two-test series against Australia, the 34-year-old batsman said on Tuesday.

McCullum told a news conference in Christchurch that the second test against Australia, which starts at Hagley Oval on February 20, would be his 101st and last.

“I’ve loved my opportunity to play for, and captain, the Black Caps, but all good things have to come to an end, and I’m just grateful for the wonderful experience of playing for my country,” said McCullum, who has struggled with back problems for several years.

The explosive batsman, who has scored 6,273 runs in 99 tests at an average of 38.48, took charge of New Zealand in all three formats of the game at the start of 2013 after Ross Taylor was controversially dropped as skipper by coach Mike Hesson.

McCullum led New Zealand unbeaten through seven test series until the recent reverse in Australia, and to a first 50-overs World Cup final last year where they were again beaten by their

trans-Tasman Sea rivals.