Cricket

McCullum focused on Australia Test

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum insists his focus is on claiming a win over Australia in the second Test and not his final international match.

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McCullum’s 101st Test will be his last as he retires from international cricket after the clash against their Trans-Tasman rivals beginning in Christchurch on Saturday.

The 34-year-old could be excused for allowing his focus to drift, but McCullum said any time to reflect would be after his final outing.

“We have got a job to do. We are 1-0 down in the series. We have got one Test to go and we have to find a way to square the series,” he told a news conference on Friday.

“At the moment all I’m focusing on is trying to enjoy the last Test with the boys. It will be special, playing in Christchurch as well.

“There is a lot to look forward to and plenty of time for reflection after the Test.”

McCullum confirmed Matt Henry would replace Doug Bracewell, who has been ruled out of the Test due to a shoulder injury.

But, regardless of personnel, McCullum said his team had taken plenty out of the series opener – which Australia won by an innings and 52 runs.

“We’ve talked among the group and thought we were a bit too keen in the last Test,” he said.

“The focus is to get back to what’s worked for us in the last three years, play with a lot of enthusiasm, play with a smile on the face and try and seize the key moments when they arrive.”

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