On this day, February 20, 2016: Brendon McCullum scores fastest Test century in his final ever Test match. New Zealand legend McCullum broke the record for the fastest century as he got to the milestone in just 56 balls. New Zealand were batting first and were in all sorts of trouble at 32/3 but in walked Brendon McCullum who was playing his final Test match and took the attack from ball 1. He broke the record for fastest century which was 56 ball previously as he completed the milestone in just 54 balls. He was finally dismissed for 145 runs of just 79 balls. New Zealand were bowled out for 370 in the first innings largely due to this terrific innings.
In the second innings, Australia piled up plenty of runs as Joe Burns scored a big century along with Steve Smith. Australian opener Burns smashed 170 while Steve Smith scored 138 as Australia finished with a total of 505 in the second innings taking a massive lead. Adam Voges too scored a half century as they went past 500 mark. For New Zealand it was left arm pacer Neil Wagner who made the most impact as he picked up six wickets.
New Zealand were bowled out for 335 runs in the third innings. Kane Williamson stood firm as he scored 97 while McCullum could not repeat his heroics as he was dismissed for 25 in his final Test innings. New Zealand were 105/4 at one stage but crucial contributions from Matt Henry and Watling helped them recover and post above 300 to give their bowlers something to bowl at. Jackson Bird picked up five wickets while Pattinson scalped four wickets.
Australia were chasing a target of just more than 200 in the fourth innings and they cruised the chase as they won with four wickets spare. Joe Burns scored 65 while Steve Smith scored another half century as Australia finished with 201/4 to win the match and also seal the series. This was the farewell Test for McCullum who was one of the greatest to represent New Zealand and he did justice with that innings.
