Man of the moment Brendon McCullum wants to live his dream for one more day.
The New Zealand captain is on 281 and will remain firmly centre stage when the fifth day of an astounding second Test against India resumes on Tuesday.
McCullum’s two-day Basin Reserve vigil has him poised to surpass New Zealand’s highest Test score – set 23 years ago by Martin Crowe when he scored 299 against Sri Lanka at the same ground.
The 32-year-old has scored nearly half of the Black Caps’ 6-571, driving them 325 runs in front of the downbeat tourists.
Most of them came during a world record sixth-wicket partnership with wicketkeeper BJ Watling (124) which sucked the fight out of the Indians.
“You set out strategies and you have dreams and you don’t always live them,” he said.
“But I thought BJ and myself were able to put ourselves in a really strong position.”
If he becomes New Zealand’s first triple century-maker, McCullum’s celebration will quickly turn to a tactical conundrum.
He must decide whether to then bat on and lock up a 1-0 series win following the first Test triumph in Auckland, or declare and pursue a second win on a wicket which has long lost its zip.
Another milestone to consider could be allrounder James Neesham’s maiden first class century. The 23-year-old will resume on an untroubled 67, having dominated the latter part of a 125-run stand with McCullum when the skipper began to struggle physically and mentally, leaving him “dazed” at the crease.
Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan admitted Monday felt like a marathon stint in the field after claiming just Watling’s wicket.
He didn’t think the Indian bowlers were to blame, believing they simply struck a brick wall in the form of McCullum, Watling and Neesham in trying conditions.
“The wicket has improved it got a bit slower and of course McCullum and the other batsman batted beautifully and they didn’t give us any opportunity,” he said.
“We bowled in the right areas and were patient enough but once they didn’t give any early chances then it got easier for them.”
