If that was the last glimpse of Brendon McCullum in a Brisbane Heat shirt then what a way to go out.
Brisbane Heat batsman and former Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum. Photo: Photosport
McCullum had the pads on in the Heat's final home of the Australian Twenty20 cricket season at the 'Gabba, but didn't face a ball as teammates Ben Cutting and Max Bryant pulverised the Melbourne Stars to keep alive the race for the BBL top four.
The former New Zealand captain didn't seem bothered by his batting redundancy, celebrating on the boundary by downing a cold beer in a fitting farewell for the departing star.
"He'll be missed," quipped commentator and former Australian coach Darren Lehmann.
The 37-year-old was a little coy about what his future holds - he has been mentioned as a coaching option for the Heat - but he will not be forgotten in a hurry.
Brendon McCullum playing for the Brisbane Heat in the Australian Big Bash League. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz
McCullum's impact on his adopted Queensland fans was immense and enduring.
Since 2011 his blazing style, and his partnership with Chris Lynn, has been treasured in Brisbane and the feeling was mutual.
"It's been 17 years, not everything's been easy but it's been a great ride," he told broadcaster Fox Sports.
"Playing here has meant a tremendous amount. Brisbane's been an extension of my New Zealand career."
The Heat have done all they can in their desperate bid to reach the finals and must now wait on the outcome of other games over the weekend.
They now need the Hobart Hurricanes to beat the Sydney Thunder and the Stars to lose to the Sydney Sixers.
Crushing the Stars in the 10th over gave the Heat's net run rate a welcome boost.
-AAP
