Overview
- Khawaja says McCullum “tore shreds off” him during the 2011–12 Australia–New Zealand Tests, describing the sledging as the fiercest he had faced.
- By their 2015 Test meetings, Khawaja observed McCullum as a calm captain who had shifted toward a more respectful on‑field approach.
- Khawaja recalls that after Australia’s 2016 tour of New Zealand, McCullum apologised during post‑series drinks as he signed off from his final Test series.
- McCullum later received the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award and is credited with ending sledging within the New Zealand camp, a stance that drew some mockery from rivals.
- Now England’s head coach, McCullum is widely associated with a bold ‘Bazball’ philosophy and has publicly reflected on earlier missteps, including regrets detailed in his autobiography.