The Black Caps captain must get asked questions about his pending retirement every interview, but yesterday he gave a clear indication his test career, at least, was coming to an end.
Asked if the test against Sri Lanka in Dunedin, starting today, would be his last in his home city, McCullum (34) responded it would be fair to assume that.
‘‘I love playing cricket in Dunedin, as I do at many other grounds in New Zealand as well.
‘‘Yeah, it is obviously a special place to me and I've had a lot of experiences out here - not just international cricket but domestic and club and school cricket as well.
‘‘It is something you look back on fondly, but you can't get too sentimental as well. I've got a job to do and that is to lead this team out there [today] - and over the next five days - and, hopefully, make sure we remain on task and get the job done.''
Providing McCullum stays injury-free, he is on track to play his 100th consecutive test during the first test against Australia at the Basin Reserve in February. The second test in Christchurch might be his last.
A good crowd is expected for day one of the test today, with New Zealand Cricket confirming more than 1500 tickets had been sold.
The weather, well, it is going to be mixed.
Today's forecast is for fine weather but a few afternoon showers with a southerly change.
Cloudy periods and brief rain are expected tomorrow, followed by brief rain forecast for Saturday and Sunday.
