Who is Brendon McCullum? Know About His Relationships, Family, Career, Stats and More

Brendon McCullum is one of cricket’s most dynamic and influential figures. He is known affectionately as “Baz.” He made his mark as an explosive batsman, famously scoring New Zealand’s first-ever Test triple century and the fastest century in Tests and that too in his last match. After retiring in 2016, McCullum shifted into coaching, bringing his ideas and style to use, which is now known as “Bazball”, to England’s Test team, completely revolutionising their approach to the game. His ability to step out to the fast bowlers and hit the ball over their heads for a straight boundary is still considered one of the most destructive sights in cricket, and that shot is something which cannot be played by other batters so easily.

Brendon McCullum Biography

Brendon McCullum, born on 27 September 1981 in Dunedin, is a former New Zealand cricketer. He was known for his fearless style and game-changing leadership. He was a natural striker of the ball and a sharp wicketkeeper. Baz made his international debut in 2002 and quickly became one of the most exciting players in world cricket. He holds the record for New Zealand’s first Test triple century, and he used to wear jersey number 42, which the team later retired in his honour. As captain, he led New Zealand to their first World Cup final in 2015 and helped reshape the team’s identity. Since retiring in 2016, McCullum has moved into coaching and currently heads England’s Test side. Brendon McCullum wife is Ellissa McCullum, and his estimated net worth is around $9 million.

Brendon McCullum Religion and Caste

The 43-year-old cricketer follows Christianity as his religion, and the concept of caste does not exist in Western countries. Hence, he is not affiliated with any caste.

Brendon McCullum Family

Brendon McCullum comes from a cricket-loving family; his dad, Stuart, played for Otago, and his brother Nathan also played for New Zealand. He married Ellissa Arthur in 2003. Ellissa, originally from Australia, has a background in fitness and has supported Brendon through the highs and lows of his career. They have three children: one son, Riley, and two daughters, Maya and Evie.

Brendon McCullum Father

Stuart McCullum, Brendon's father, was a respected first-class cricketer who played for Otago from the late 1970s through the early '90s. He was a solid left-handed opening batsman, he had a steady career. Stuart played a big role in shaping Brendon and Nathan’s early cricketing lives, passing on both his love for the game and the discipline it demands. After retiring, he stayed connected to cricket through coaching and selection roles.

Brendon McCullum Mother

Brendon’s mom, Sue, has always been a quiet but strong support for him and his brother Nathan. She stayed mostly out of the spotlight, and not many details about her are publicly disclosed, but she was there every step of the way, encouraging her sons.

Brendon McCullum Brother

Nathan McCullum, Brendon’s older brother, is a former New Zealand cricketer known for his off-spin bowling and sharp fielding. He played regularly in limited-overs cricket for the Black Caps and was part of the teams that made it to the 2011 World Cup semi-finals and the 2015 final. After retiring in 2016, Nathan moved into the construction business but still stays involved with cricket through coaching and mentoring.

Brendon McCullum Sister

As per the available information, Brendon McCullum does not have a sister. His only sibling is his elder brother, Nathan McCullum.

Brendon McCullum Instagram

Brendon McCullum has an Instagram account under the name of @bazmccullum42, where he has more than 1.1M followers and has posted around 94 posts. On his Instagram, he has mostly posted pictures related to his cricket career, team achievements, and family vacations. He has been quite inactive on his Instagram account. His last post was more than 2 years ago in 2023.

Brendon McCullum Twitter

On X [formerly Twitter], Brendon McCullum has an account under the handle @Bazmccullum, where he has more than 521K followers. On his Twitter account, he has posted pictures of his cricket journey, achievements, and family photos, but he has been inactive on this platform for quite some time now.

Brendon McCullum Facebook

On Facebook, the former Kiwi batter has an account under the name of @Brendon McCullum. He has more than 2.2M followers. On his Facebook, he has posted pictures related to his cricket career, but it's the same story that he hasn't posted anything since early 2023.

Brendon McCullum Jersey Number

Brendon McCullum wore the jersey number 42 while playing in international cricket for New Zealand. He also wore the same jersey number while playing in domestic cricket and other franchise leagues. Jersey number 42 was later retired in his honour.

Brendon McCullum Relationship

Brendon McCullum has been married to Ellissa Arthur since 2003, and their relationship has remained strong through all the ups and downs of his cricketing and coaching career. Ellissa, originally from Australia, has mostly stayed out of the spotlight but has been a constant support behind the scenes. The couple has three kids, Riley, Maya, and Evie.

Brendon McCullum Wife

Brendon McCullum wife is Ellissa McCullum. The couple got married in 2003. Originally from Australia, she worked as a personal trainer before focusing on raising their three kids, Riley, Maya, and Evie. While she’s always stayed away from the public eye, Ellissa has been a steady presence throughout Brendon’s playing and coaching career.

Brendon McCullum Net Worth & Salary

The Kiwi cricketer has built a solid financial profile over the years. Brendon McCullum net worth is estimated to be around $9 million. A big part of that comes from his long-playing career, high-profile stints in the IPL, and various endorsements with brands like Puma and Gillette. Since taking over as head coach of England’s Test team, he’s reportedly earning about $650,000 a year. He also made a good amount during his time coaching in the IPL.

Brendon McCullum Career

Brendon McCullum career started with his international debut in 2002, initiating with Test cricket, where he quickly showed his aggressive style. He followed that with his One Day International debut the same year, and later broke into T20 internationals when the format began. McCullum became the second-highest run scorer for New Zealand ever, by scoring 14,676 runs across all formats in his career. He set records, including the fastest Test century ever, and played a key role in transforming New Zealand cricket as a leader.

International Career

Brendon McCullum’s stats show just how impactful he was for New Zealand in every format. In Tests, he played 101 games, scoring over 6,400 runs with 12 centuries, including a triple hundred, and kept a solid average close to 39. He wasn’t just a batsman; his wicketkeeping was top-notch, with hundreds of catches and stumpings. In ODIs, he featured in 260 matches, scoring just over 6,000 runs and keeping a healthy strike rate of nearly 96. In T20s, his aggressive style really shone through, scoring over 2,100 runs at a strike rate above 136. He brought the idea that NZ are no longer an underdog, but can easily beat any other side in the world.

Other Leagues Career

Brendon McCullum has made a mark in T20 leagues worldwide with his aggressive batting. Playing 35 games for Brisbane Heat in the BBL, he scored 920 runs with a strong strike rate and took plenty of catches and stumpings. In the Caribbean Premier League with Trinbago Knight Riders, he was even more explosive, hitting 836 runs at a quick pace. He played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and 2 more franchises in his IPL career and smashed over 3000 runs. He also had a stint with Lahore Qalandars in the PSL.

Brendon McCullum Achievements & Awards

Brendon McCullum career was as bold and unforgettable as his batting. From smashing 158* in the very first IPL match to scoring New Zealand’s first-ever Test triple century, he constantly pushed the limits of what was possible on the field. His aggressive style didn’t just change games, it changed the way New Zealand played cricket. Along the way, he picked up some of the game’s highest honours, including the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal, the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award, and a place in Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year. He was even appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. But beyond the awards, it was his influence on New Zealand cricket that truly sets him apart.