Share

McCullum smoked during semi-final win over Proteas

Cape Town - Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum revealed that he smoked during the 2015 Cricket World Cup semi-final between the Black Caps and the Proteas.

In his biography book entitled, Brendon McCullum - Declared, McCullum opened up on the semi-final run-chase between the Proteas and the Black Caps in Auckland.

In the excerpt, the batsman relives the anxious moment when New Zealand needed five runs off the final two balls to advance through to their first Cricket World Cup final.

South Africa won the toss and decided to bat first with Faf du Plessis (82) and AB de Villiers (65*) taking the Proteas to 281/5 in their 50 overs.

In New Zealand's run-chase, McCullum struck 59 off 26 balls hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes, before being caught at mid-on by Dale Steyn off the bowling of Morne Morkel.

The Black Caps required five runs off the final two balls, as SA-born Grant Elliott hit a six off Steyn in the penultimate ball, to give them a four-wicket victory.

An excerpt from Brendon McCullum - Declared, taken from the NZ Herald website:

"Eleven runs off five balls. Grant can't do better than a single off Steyn's second ball, so Dan's back on strike. Ten runs off four balls. Steyn needs treatment for a calf injury, which prolongs the agony for me and forty thousand others at the ground and countless millions glued to their TV sets around the world.

"I'm in my usual position in the dunnies at the back of the dressing room, smoking and listening to the crowd.

"I never watch live. What does it matter if I'm out front or not? I'm better off in the changing room, trying to stay nice and relaxed, not give off too many emotions, so I can support the boys who are going out to bat."

"Once our last batsman has gone out to face, I retreat to the dunnies, out of range of the smoke detectors, and start working my way through a packet of fags.

"This time I'm not alone. Two Indian caterers, the guys who're looking after us for our food in the changing room, join me. Like me, they can't bear to watch. One of them says, 'I'm really sorry Mr McCullum, but may I please have a cigarette? I am so nervous.'

"So the three of us pile into my packet of fags."

Despite the win, the Black Caps lost in the final against Australia at the SGC by seven wickets.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE