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Khawaja Recalls Fiery McCullum Sledging: How Rival Became Respected Leader

Usman Khawaja vividly remembers facing brutal sledging from Brendon McCullum during their 2011 encounter. The Australian batter was shocked by the intensity of the verbal attack from the New Zealand star. Years later, McCullum completely transformed into a sportsmanship advocate and even received the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award. Surprisingly, McCullum personally apologized to Khawaja for his earlier behavior, showing remarkable personal growth.

Key Points: Usman Khawaja Reveals Brendon McCullum Sledging Apology Story

  • Khawaja describes being brutally sledged by McCullum in 2011 Test match
  • McCullum transformed into sportsmanship icon by 2015 as NZ captain
  • Former NZ skipper personally apologized during post-series drinks
  • McCullum admitted in autobiography to regretting early career conduct
  • Mitchell Johnson mocked McCullum's anti-sledging stance as captain
  • Khawaja respects McCullum's maturity and personal growth over years
2 min read

He absolutely tore shreds off me: Khawaja recounts fiery sledging encounter with McCullum

Australian batter details brutal 2011 sledging by McCullum, who later apologized after transforming into sportsmanship icon and ending NZ's sledging culture.

"He absolutely tore shreds off me - Usman Khawaja"

Canberra, November 18

Australia batter Usman Khawaja's first run-in with Brendon McCullum, during the 2011 Test series between Australia and New Zealand, was far from pleasant, as per Fox Cricket.

"He absolutely tore shreds off me," Khawaja said, as quoted from Fox Cricket.

"He sledged the crap out of me, like I'd never been sledged in international cricket before," the Australia batter added.

However, when Khawaja faced McCullum again in the Test arena four years later in 2015, the New Zealand star had transformed himself. By then, McCullum had become the face of sportsmanship, even receiving the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award for leading a New Zealand side known for its respectful and fair approach to the game.

As captain, McCullum had also put an end to sledging within the Kiwi camp, a move that former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson had mocked at the time.

"It was really bizarre, a few years later when we played against him and he was captain...he was a totally different person," Khawaja said, as quoted from Fox Cricket.

"He was chilled and just went about his business," he noted.

After Australia's 2016 tour of New Zealand, which also marked McCullum's final Test series, Khawaja confronted him during the post-series drinks. It was then that the former New Zealand skipper apologised for the verbal jibes.

"I won't say exactly the words that he said, but he was just like, 'Yeah. I was a bit of a...I've learned a lot and matured since then,'" Khawaja recalled.

"But when I was young, he nailed me, so it is funny to see both sides," he added.

"I respect someone who matures and looks back and thinks, 'Yeah, I probably wasn't playing the way I wanted to there.' I have nothing but respect for that," he said.

Later that year, in his autobiography, McCullum admitted he wasn't proud of some of his conduct early in his career. He even recalled an incident from 2006, when he ran out Muttiah Muralitharan while the Sri Lankan was celebrating teammate Kumar Sangakkara's century, something he said he deeply regretted.

"I wasted a few years trying to be brash and arrogant and hard-minded," McCullum penned.

"It was a false attitude, not true to my character," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian cricket fan, I've always admired how New Zealand plays with such spirit. This story makes me respect McCullum even more. Wish more teams would follow their example instead of aggressive sledging.
A
Arjun K
Honestly, sledging has become too much in modern cricket. Remember when Kohli used to be very aggressive? Even he has matured a lot. Good to see players evolving and setting better examples for young cricketers.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate McCullum's transformation, let's not forget the psychological damage such aggressive sledging can cause to young players. The "boys will be boys" attitude needs to change in cricket culture.
V
Vikram M
Khawaja showing great maturity by accepting the apology. In Indian culture, we value forgiveness and personal growth. This is what makes cricket the gentleman's game! 👏
M
Michael C
The Muralitharan run-out incident was really poor sportsmanship. Glad McCullum acknowledged his mistakes. This is why New Zealand cricket team is so respected worldwide now.

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