McMillan hails 'special day' after McCullum record

BrendonMcCullum

McCullum reached his hundred in just 74 balls on day one in Christchurch, and went on to record post a rapid 195 in 134 deliveries before being dismissed by Tharindu Kaushal.

That wicket saw the New Zealand captain fall five runs short of recording a world record for the fastest double hundred in Test history, but his score was enough to guide the hosts to 429-7 at the close of play.

The Hagley Oval is hosting the first Test, a ground built after Lancaster Park was destroyed by the 2011 earthquake that killed 185 people.

And, with McCullum's innings coming in the first Test to be held in Christchurch since that natural disaster, batting coach McMillan feels his performance was doubly significant.

"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.

"Even in your wildest dreams you would never have picked a day of Test cricket like that, especially when the pitch is a little bit on the green side and you lose the toss.

"I don't think I have enough superlatives to describe [McCullum's] innings.

"He has the ability to dominate, dismantle bowlers very quickly and change the tempo and the way an innings is heading very quickly.

"He's so destructive. I think, probably the most destructive and domineering player who has played for New Zealand."

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