New Zealand reach 429 for 7 against Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval; skipper Brendon McCullum smashes 195 in 134 balls

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum's record breaking exploits continued on Friday as he smashed 195 runs from 134 balls at the Hagley Oval, to lead New Zealand to 429 for seven at close of the first day's play against Sri Lanka.

The innings came within a whisker of becoming the fastest test double century, eclipsing his own record for the fastest century and enabled him to become the first New Zealander to score 1,000 test runs in a calendar year.

The innings demonstrated for the fourth time this year how much McCullum can impose himself to shape the game's outcome.

In the 2014 test against India and McCullum had scored 224, thus helping New Zealand win the game by 40 runs.

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The second test at Wellington however, truly cemented his name in the record books, as McCullum played hero and rescued New Zealand from cerrtain defeat against India.

McCullum batted for 775 minutes and thus became the first New Zealander to score a test triple century, thus saving the game and series for his side.

His performance against Pakistan in the UAE last month again showed how few other batsmen in the world can change the momentum of a match.

Pakistan had scored 351 in 125.4 overs on a slow Sharjah pitch before McCullum tore the Pakistani bowlers apart with 202 in a 297-run partnership with Williamson.

New Zealand eventually posted a total of 690 in 143.1 overs and then dismissed the hosts for 259 to win the game by an innings and 80 runs inside four days and level the series.