Big Bash League is quite popular in New Zealand: Brendon McCullum

The fast and furious version of T20 cricket is always thought to be a batsman’s game where the bowlers usually get bullied by their counterparts. But, realistically, it not as easy as one might think. If you don’t believe, Brendon McCullum can make you do so. The new Brisbane Heat captain Brendon McCullum has a hazy recollection of his first game with the Heat in 2011 where he was left with a bloodied and broken nose from a Brett Lee bouncer.

‘Baz’, who is now returning this year, hopes to leave with some pleasant memories than a crooked nose, aiming to catapult the Brisbane franchise back into the limelight after three seasons without a finals appearance. McCullum is a class act on and off the field and showed how tough he was when he returned to the crease after initially retiring hurt from the Lee thunderbolt.

“I can’t really remember much at all from that opening Big Bash game. They tried to put my nose back in a couple of times in the dressing room, although it still has a bend in it to this day, McCullum said.

“One thing I do remember is Wendell Sailor (who was running drinks for the Heat) going on in the rooms about how tough I was.”

McCullum is an integral part of the Heat’s plans to soar up the ladder from their sixth placing last season and he is one of the most important signings in their history. A big attraction for McCullum to sign a two-year Heat deal was the chance to link with his former teammates Daniel Vettori (Heat coach) and Shane Bond (Heat bowling coach).

McCullum’s wife Ellissa hails from Lismore, in northern New South Wales, and the batsman and father-of-three is looking forward to spending some time with his in-laws while in Australia. With exhilarating and fearless shot-making, McCullum should be an entertaining smash-hit for his team.

“The Big Bash has become quite a big product, to the point where it is probably slightly dangerous for the future of international cricket,” McCullum said.

“Big Bash games get massive crowds and huge promotion and the Aussie competition is hugely popular where I am from in New Zealand.

“Then sometimes you watch Test cricket, like the Australian Test in Hobart recently, and there are only a few thousand people in the grandstands.

“It is great to see how well the Big Bash has developed and I always thought if I was to play in it again that the Brisbane Heat would be my first point of call.

“Dan Vettori was very influential in getting me over here. He is a very loyal person and we spent a lot of time playing together for New Zealand.”