In 2014, he scored 224 against India in Auckland; 302 against India in Wellington (off 775 balls, coming in with NZ 3 for 52 and trailing by 200 odd runs- a match saving innings balancing restraint and aggressions- I haven't seen a better innings); 202 in Sharjah right after Phillip Hughes died and then 195 against Sri Lanka in Christchurch.
That's bloody impressive.
Absolutely agreed. It was a great year of big scores. Very very impressive.
But as a Kiwi myself, I ask you who was the best seam bowler he faced in those games you mention?
Herath, Jadeja, Zalfiqur plundered in the first team innings of the match twice, Jadeja and Herath on day 1, Shah and Zalfiqur on day 2, most impressive is Jadeja on day 4 on Basin Reserve pitch where NZ took no spinners in.
But who was the best seamer? A very old and about to retire Zaheer Khan? Don't tell me Rahat Ali is the best bowler. Getting runs against Shami and Sharma is not a rare feat. Just ask Steve Smith.
Did any seam bowler in that run have a career average under 34 other than a very old and about to retire Zaheer Khan? Sharma does not. Shami does not. Ali does not. Talha does not. Lakmal does not. Eranga does not. Prasad does not.
With all due respect to Zaheer Khan, given his age and ability when he played those matches being 3 years overdue for retirement, there was not a quality seamer in any of those big BMac innings. Its a fact.
I firmly believe that he needs big scores against Australia next year to leave a good legacy and give credibility to 2014. Otherwise, cricket fans can fairly argue that he is a myth when his batting is talked up about those 2014 scores.
Captain, 3 wickets down chasing 188 for a series win, batting with the premier batsman, and he responds to the fast leg theory attack by playing over the head tennis serve type shots to the off side. Bradman tried that during Bodyline. He got half his typical average. However, McCullum just needed to bat sensibly and put the hook shot away and do a Steve Waugh like he had been doing. It was a low scoring chase and the seamers could not bowl all day.
I found that innings very strange.