Brendon McCullum's singular contribution to New Zealand cricket extends far beyond the pyrotechnics with the bat which attracted a new generation to the game and helped make the 2015 World Cup such a spectacular success.
McCullum, who retires from the international arena after the second Test against Australia starting at Hagley Oval on Saturday, encouraged New Zealand to play with a freedom and aggression that has had a "ripple effect" on the game.
After losing by an innings in South Africa in early 2013 in his first Test as captain, he and his team vowed to reconnect with a disenchanted public angered by the abrupt dismissal of his predecessor Ross Taylor.
McCullum led from the front, both with the bat and in the consistently attacking fields he set.
His team won plaudits for accepting the rough with the smooth and refusing to make excuses on their rare bad days.
IMAGE: Brendon McCullum of New Zealand talks with Tim Southee during a nets session at Hagley Oval. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Mike Atherton, The Times' cricket correspondent and former England captain, was effusive in his praise after New Zealand drew 1-1 in England last year.
"New Zealand have managed to transform themselves on and off the field under McCullum's captaincy and that has had a ripple effect on cricket more generally," he wrote.
"They are setting the agenda in Tests and one-day cricket, pushing the boundaries of rapid run-scoring and attacking field settings like never before.
"They have impressed in the way they had conducted themselves too. England have unashamedly followed suit, imitation being the sincerest form of flattery."
New Zealand have not been beaten in a home series under McCullum, though they will need to win in Christchurch to preserve that record.
Last year they qualified for a World Cup final for the first time before being well beaten by Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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