Fastest Test centurion Brendon McCullum unaware he had broken idol Viv Richards' record

New Delhi: Retiring New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum broke the world record for the fastest Test century held jointly by former West Indies legend and his idol Viv Richards on Saturday without being aware of it.

McCullum lit up Wellington in the first day of the 2nd Test match against Australia. McCullum defined mastery of brutality in the longest format after reaching his 12th century from just 54 deliveries at Hagley Oval.

West Indian Viv Richards had set the previous record of 56 balls against England in Antigua in 1986 and the mark was then equalled by Pakistan`s Misbah-ul-Haq against Australia in Abu Dhabi in 2014.

McCullum said that Viv was his idol when growing up and it is nice to get past him on this occasion.

"I had no idea. "I was trying to hit every ball for four or six. Viv was my idol growing up so it`s nice to be able to go past him on this occasion. But he was a cracking player, he was an incredible cricketer. I`m almost a little bit of embarrassed to go past him, to be honest."

On 39, McCullum enjoyed a huge moment of luck when he sliced James Pattinson to Mitchell Marsh who took a brilliant, one-handed catch diving to his right in the gully. But umpire Richard Kettleborough requested a replay which showed Pattinson had bowled a no-ball.

McCullum added that it was quite a nice reprieve.

"I thought it was four as soon as I hit it. They do push the front line a little bit. It was quite a nice reprieve. It probably loosens you up a little bit as well, it just relaxes you a little bit more."

The Kiwi skipper played with a lot of freedom after knowing he was probably not meant to be there after the no-ball incident.

"You know you`re probably not meant to be out there. You may as well play with a little more freedom."

McCullum, was greeted by a guard of honour formed by the Australians when he went out to bat with his team already in deep trouble but needing to win to square the two-test series.

(With Agency inputs)