Shoving cricket's original Master Blaster Viv Richards out of the record books has left Brendon McCullum feeling chuffed and embarrassed.
The Black Caps' skipper celebrated his final international match in scarcely believable style by scoring the fastest century in Test cricket history on the first day of the second Test against Australia.
On his way to a stunning 145 at Hagley Oval, McCullum brought up his 100 off 54 balls.
It surpassed the previous record of 56 balls shared by Richards and Pakistan's Misbah-ul Haq.
Richards' innings, against England at St John's 30 years ago, is regarded as one of Test cricket's most-majestic knocks.
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McCullum has claimed Richards' mantle as the biggest hitter in the modern game.
Nevertheless, he felt a sense of unease at eclipsing the West Indian great, admitting he rode his luck in a death-or-glory approach.
"He was my idol growing up. I'm almost a bit embarrassed to go past him, to be honest," McCullum said.
"Jeez he was a cracking player, an incredible cricketer.
"Hopefully, he enjoyed a bit of the stroke-making, we'll call it."
The 34-year-old says he had no idea he had passed the record until the ground announcement chimed in.
He suspected it would be his day when "an almighty, filthy slog" flew over the slips on the second ball he faced.
He made no apologies for the approach on a green pitch which had already claimed three teammates.
"When you're confronted with wickets like that, you know you're going to have to be pretty aggressive and need some luck."
McCullum's six sixes on Saturday also took his tally of career Test sixes to 106, lifting him to sole ownership of the world record.
He came into the match level with former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist on 100.
McCullum thanked Steve Smith for a guard of honour that Australia formed when he walked out to bat.
"That was a lovely touch and symbolic of how the two teams get on," he said.
"It was a lovely gesture from Smithy and the Aussie boys and I'll remember that for the rest of my life.
"It's not often you get such an ovation and the level of respect which was shown from the Aussie team."
