Prince Brendon McCullum has finally done what he had leaked, inferred and generally showed us on many an occasion he was thinking about by giving up his role as test keeper.
No keeper since Tim Zoehrer (who often took the gloves off to bowl leggies) has shown such casual regard for the skill that got him into international cricket in the first place.
The Prince is talented, but that talent hasn’t exactly been oozing out of his stats now has it.
In test cricket, the game where he is giving up the gloves, he has made 5 test centuries – 2 against Bangladesh and 1 against Zimbabwe – at an average of 34. Low.
In one day cricket, where he doesn’t always seem to keep, he has made 2 centuries – 1 against Ireland – at an average of 29 with a strike rate of 87. Still not special numbers.
In T20 where others keep mostly, he has made 1 century – against Australia – and averages 33 with a strike rate of 126. Other than a slower strike rat than you’d expect, the man is a fair T20 batsman.
T20 is the only form of the game where Prince Brendon could give up keeping and be a legitimate force right now.
Sure, ditching the gloves might improve his batting, but it might not. Being an all rounder in any sense might be a burden on your time, but it also gives you freedom. You can average 34 as a batsman if you have another skill, but who wants a test batsman who averages 34.
I know New Zealand don’t always have the highest standards when it comes to test averages, but 34 is testing them.
According to Assistant coach Mark Greatbatch, “Brendon clearly understands he will only be considered as a test batsman on his long-form batting performances.”
Dictator Dan has been quiet on the announcement.
McCullum may return to keeping in one day cricket.
The cynical cunt nature of me wonders if this isn’t an elaborate test retirement.
His average is not enough to get him an automatic spot, so maybe he plays a few tests, or maybe he doesn’t get picked at all…
If it is an elaborate well staged test retirement, you have to give the man some credit, it is the double indemnity of test retirements.
I fear it is not, and instead it is just a wicket keeper who thinks he can cut it as a test batsman.
I wonder if he can?
Ummm, 34 would actually be a good average for a NZ no. 3.
Fair point Labrat,
Although it means NZ won’t be getting as many runs from #7.
I think I am right in pointing out that his averages improve dramatically if you remove the beginning of his career (ala Dictator Dan), but I cant actually be bothered coming up with any stats to support that. Also he has batted down the order with some real muppets in his time (Hello Chris Martin) in both Tests and ODI’s so has often resorted to the hit out or get out strategy. Plus as has already been so rightly pointed out, we don’t exactly have quality batsman falling out of our arses over ehre at the moment, although good to see young Kane Williamson is finally being given a run.
Collie, you aren’t wrong, but he also averages 30 when you take out Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, and until this year (2 tests) he has never had a calendar year where he has averaged fore than 35.
It will only make his selection troublesome. He might be picked for the first couple of months, but he isn’t known for “regular big scores” – eventually he will be dropped.
Dictator Dan has been quiet on the announcement. :D
Other than the odd biff at T20 (and the ton against Australia was pretty special), McCullum is as you suggest JRod a tad overrated by everyone except the man himself. I think you may have hit the nail on the head about this being a very novel way of retiring from test cricket!
Well after Astle retired, I thought this prince will really turn up to feel that gap, Now I don’t think he has done enough. Ryder and Dan are the only men, I can see surviving their tour in Subcontinent, let’s see if he prove all of us wrong and start hitting runs.
The last time he wanted to give up keeping it was because of recurring back problems IIRC.
LB, I guess Vettori would play at 7 so you will probably get a similar amount of runs there.
Unless he wants to keep batting in the top 6. But a batting lineup of McCullum, Taylor, Ryder, Williamson/Guptill, Vettori looks ok. Pity there isn’t an opener in the country and once #8 is in the innings is over.