18 Feb 2014

Ovation for ecstatic McCullum's 300

7:21 pm on 18 February 2014

Thrilled cricket fans at the Basin Reserve in Wellington rose to their feet as Brendon McCullum became the first New Zealand cricketer to score a triple century in a single test innings.

The over before the new record was set, Jimmy Neesham hit his first Test century on debut.

Brendon McCullum celebrates making history

Brendon McCullum celebrates making history Photo: GETTY IMAGES

The Test was drawn - meaning the New Zealanders recorded their first test series victory over India since 2002 - as New Zealand's record 680 for eight declared, set the visitors the impossible task of scoring 435 runs in 67 overs.

New Zealand won the first test at Eden Park by 40 runs.

In Tuesday's second Test, McCullum batted for more than 12 hours and brought up the 300 from 557 balls just before midday, before being caught behind for 302.

The New Zealand captain chalked up the record score of 302 off 557 balls, surpassing Martin Crowe's previous test record of 299.

The New Zealand cricketers declared their second innings of the second and final Test against India on 680 for eight - a lead of 434 runs.

Jimmy Neesham finished unbeaten on 137. Neil Wagner was not out at the other end for two.

More records broken

As well as being New Zealand's highest test run scorer in an innings he is the first to score 300, surpassing the 299 scored by Martin Crowe against Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve in 1991.

He is also only the second batsman to do so in the second innings.

His score is the 28th Test triple century, including Brian Lara's record 400.

The number of balls McCullum faced and time at the wicket is the most by a New Zealand batsman.

New Zealand's score is also the highest a team has scored in the fourth innings to win a Test at the Basin Reserve, beating 277 by Pakistan against the hosts in 2003-04.

A cricket historian, Don Neely, says McCullum can now be known as one New Zealand's best ever players.

He says the way McCullum played, including batting for nearly 13 hours, was very special to watch.

Brendon McCullum - first New Zealand cricketer to score a triple century in a single test innings.

Brendon McCullum - first New Zealand cricketer to score a triple century in a single test innings. Photo: RNZ