Twitter Reactions: Brendon McCullum announces retirement from international cricket

Cricket fans woke up to an unpleasant news today morning. New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum announced retirement from international cricket. McCullum revealed his future plans at a press conference in Christchurch today. He said that he will play his last game for the ‘BLACKCAPS’ in the ‘ANZ Test’ against Australia at Hagley Oval which starts from 20 February 2016.

The 34-year-old will play a world-record 100th consecutive Test for New Zealand when the Black Caps face Australia at the Basin Reserve for the first Test on February 12.

This sudden announcement would have come after the Australia series, but the T20 World Cup forced McCullum to disclose his future plans early. This means that he would not be playing the upcoming ICC World T20 in India next year. Kane Williamson will take his place and lead the team.

McCullum’s captaincy tenure began back in December 2012, when incumbent Ross Taylor refused an offer to share the burden across the three formats. His captaincy record reads- 11 wins, 9 losses and 9 draws. In the 50 over format, McCullum led them to their first cricket World Cup final appearance earlier this year. In all, he has had a great year.

In all, he has had a great year. Just last Sunday, McCullum equalled former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist’s record for the most sixes in test cricket history when he hit his 100th maximum on day four of the first test against Sri Lanka in Dunedin.

Brendon McCullum equals Gilchrist’s record of hundred sixes in Tests

BMac is one of those modern day greats who changed the laws of batsmanship in all forms of the game. The Twiteratti’s were also taken by surprise and there was a reaction to his surprising decision.

Here are the Twitter Reactions on McCullum’s announcement:

Brendon McCullum has impressed as a leader like few others in modern times. Made people evaluate values & ways of playing. Some legacy.

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) December 22, 2015

" I've loved my opportunity to play for, and captain the BLACKCAPS, but all good things have to come to an end " ~ Brendon McCullum

— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) December 22, 2015

Brendon McCullum has been good for cricket and he has enriched it. In doing so he has raised the esteem his country's cricket is held in.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 22, 2015

Brendon McCullum's decision to retire in February is huge setback for NZ. Terrific player and inspirational captain….

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) December 22, 2015

https://twitter.com/Vivek_Koka/status/679163282066767872

Brendon McCullum the fittest player announce his international retirement soon very sad about you bazz

— Arun infant (@infant_arun) December 22, 2015

I was dreaming to see u back in Yellow jersey #SadDay Hope u change Ur mind and retire after #T20WC #Bazz @ChennaiIPL @BrendonMcCullum

— Uday Saran (@Uday_Awesome) December 22, 2015

More than a cricketer he is the best mankind , Congrats Brendon McCullum to have a good second innings #ThankYouBazz

— சுபாஷ் (@Dravid_subaash) December 22, 2015

Brendon McCullum #SixHittingMachine
Needs 9 More sixes to be the 1st batsmen to hit 100 T20i Sixes!
1 in Tests < 100
10 in ODIs< 200

— Manish ✌ (@Manish_PP) December 22, 2015

I enjoyed wtching d fearless batting of great t20 king #brendonmccullum all these years.Ur quick fire knocks wil b remembered. Gonna miss u.

— Pragash Karuna (@iPragash) December 22, 2015

Thank you baz for the memories. Its really shocking to hear. All the best for your future. Such a amazing player you are.? #BrendonMcCullum

— Nazir Sheikh (@nazirology) December 22, 2015

He plays Test like an odi and odi lik a T20.Yes Mccullum announces his Retirement from
all forms of cricket.#baz #BrendonMcCullum

— Nikin Bhargav (@bhargav_nikin) December 22, 2015

https://twitter.com/iamSagarAgarwal/status/679162477242916864

#BrendonMcCullum may have lost the world cup this year,but he has this two precious world cups pic.twitter.com/puWmdFIRqs

— Sagar (@VerifiedBeer) December 22, 2015

Can we now hire Brendon McCullum as an exclusive coach to Rohit Sharma. Please?

— Vinay Sharma (@sharmajeekabeta) December 22, 2015

Much swagger n yet such humility! A gr8 ambassador for the game, the 'zeal' in #NewZealand , Have a blast in ur final few! #BrendonMcCullum

— Adarsh Gautam (@_GothamGuy) December 22, 2015