BBL 2018-19: A flying Brendon McCullum redefines agility at the SCG

Brendon McCullum is 37 years old and at this age, the reflexes tend to slow down and the person isn’t a spring chicken anymore. However, the former New Zealand cricketer hasn’t shown any signs of tiring down even after bidding adieu to international cricket back in 2016. From 2014 to 2016, he plied his trade in 101 Test matches in a row and the numbers are testimonies to his incredible fitness standards.

Since making his debut against South Africa in Hamilton, he didn’t have to sit out for a single match. After his retirement, he has represented a number of teams in T20 cricket across the globe. Baz is currently playing for Brisbane Heat in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) and the experienced campaigner showed why he is still regarded as the best in the business as far as agility is concerned.

Incredible McCullum

After the Heat won the toss and elected to bowl against Sydney Sixers at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), James Vince scored a superlative half-century, but his knock was almost cut short by Brendon McCullum. In the penultimate ball of the 17th over, Afghanistan off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman churned out a juicy full-length ball and the right-handed Vince went at the leather with all his might.

The batsman got the elevation, but not enough distance. McCullum settled himself underneath the ball and judged it to perfection. However, he realised that he was going above the ropes and wouldn’t be able to catch the ball inside the ropes. Subsequently, he parried the ball in the air. Nevertheless, despite the effort, the leather was destined to sail over the ropes. McCullum didn’t give up though.

From being on the turf, he jumped and palmed the ball back into play. The fielder backing him up collected the ball threw it at the wicketkeeper’s end. The third umpire had a close look at it and gave the decision in the fielding team’s favour. Vince got a lifeline, but couldn’t capitalise on it as in the very next ball, Mujeeb accounted for his wicket.

Here is the video

No catch but how did Brendon McCullum stop this from going for a boundary!?#BBL08 | @BKTtires pic.twitter.com/BZagW88nQ7

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 20, 2019

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