On this day, September 13, 1976, one of New Zealand’s cricket icons, Craig Douglas McMillan, was born. Known for his aggressive batting style, bowling skills, and dynamic presence on the field, McMillan has left an indelible mark on the sport.
McMillan represented New Zealand in 197 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), scoring 4,707 runs at an average of 28.18. His batting style was innovative, with his famous “square-on” stance used to premeditate powerful leg-side hits. This creativity was central to his role in the New Zealand lineup, making him a formidable opponent for bowlers worldwide. His ability to improvise under pressure made him a crucial player, especially in limited-overs cricket.
With the ball, McMillan was more than a part-time bowler. He often broke partnerships at critical moments, a skill that earned him recognition. His introduction of a deceptive back-of-the-hand slower delivery, combined with an unexpected bouncer, became a signature move that puzzled many batsmen. His contributions weren’t just with the bat and ball but extended to his leadership on the field.
Nicknamed “Gladiator” due to his resemblance to actor Russell Crowe, McMillan carried this warrior-like persona onto the cricket pitch. He had an unmatched ability to accelerate his innings at will. In 2001, he equalled Chris Cairns’ record for the fastest century by a New Zealander in ODIs, smashing a 75-ball hundred against Pakistan.
Though Jacob Oram briefly broke that record, McMillan reclaimed it in 2007 by scoring a 67-ball century against Australia. Today, Corey Anderson holds the record with a stunning 36-ball century, but McMillan’s achievements remain iconic.
Also Check:- Top 3 batting performances of Craig McMillan in ODIs
Pakistan was Craig McMillan’s favorite team.
One of his most memorable moments came in Test cricket against Pakistan, where he scored 26 runs in a single over from Younis Khan, setting a then-record for the most runs in an over in Test cricket. His ability to accelerate his game also earned him the distinction of scoring the fastest ODI fifty by a New Zealander at the time, reaching 50 from just 21 balls against the United States during the 2004 Champions Trophy.
However, McMillan’s career wasn’t without its challenges. He was diagnosed with diabetes and often faced criticism for his weight and fitness levels. Additionally, his on-field temperament led to multiple verbal confrontations with opponents, including a famous spat with Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, which led to his dismissal shortly after.
McMillan announced his retirement from international cricket on October 17, 2007, after a stellar performance in the Twenty20 World Cup, where he was New Zealand’s leading run-scorer. After his playing days, McMillan transitioned to coaching and broadcasting, serving as New Zealand’s batting coach and working as a commentator for Sky Network Television and the IPL.