Sport

McCullum to be awarded Keys to the City

11:46 am on 22 December 2014

The Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum is to be awarded the 'Keys to the City' of Wellington after his historic triple centrury at the Basin Reserve earlier this year.

McCullum became the first New Zealand batsman to score 300 in a test, in making 302 against India in February,

The innings took 775 minutes and 559 balls, and helped secure a draw at the Basin leading to a 1-nil test series victory.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown will present the Black Caps Captain with the unique key in a short ceremony during the tea break on the first day of the second test against Sri Lanka on January 3rd.

Brendon McCullum celebrating his triple century against India. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Mayor Wade-Brown said "the Basin Reserve is a treasure for Wellington City, and is regarded worldwide as a special Test Cricket venue."

The chief executive of Cricket Wellington Peter Clinton said recognition for McCullum's innings and the association with the Basin had come from all over the world.

"I've received many comments from people celebrating that history was once again created at the Basin Reserve. We're all looking forward to the Council recognising Brendon's achievement in such a unique way."

Previous recipients of the Keys to the City are filmakers Sir Peter Jackson and Sir Richard Taylor.

The ceremonial key is cast in bronze and also includes recycled New Zealand kauri.