Son of Baz McCullum to play ball at T20 Black Clash

12:01 AM - Sep 28, 2023

Riley McCullum, the 19-year-old son of Kiwi cricket legend, England coach and Baz-ball inventor Brendon McCullum will add the youth to complement the deep reservoir of experience Team Cricket can call upon for the sixth edition of the T20 Black Clash at Bay Oval on January 20 at Bay Oval, Tauranga.

Confirmation of inclusion of the budding star – who has been a standout for Northern Districts in age-grade cricket – comes as tickets for the iconic Hot Springs Spas T20 Black Clash in association with Wolfbrook go on sale today (Thursday).

“It’s an amazing opportunity for Riley and I know he’s absolutely pumped about it,” Brendon McCullum said.

“While I’m gutted I can’t be there myself this year, Riley will get the chance to play alongside his uncle Nathan. Those kinds of moments are incredibly special, so I’ll definitely be watching on to see how the boys go. And I’ll be having a word with Team Rugby about not throwing their ever-increasing weight around too much when the young fella is on the field.”

Keeping things well and truly in the family, Team Cricket is sponsored by TPW – the commercial construction and maintenance company part-owned by Nathan McCullum.

“Hopefully we’ll get a chance to bat together,” McCullum said of the chance to play with his nephew.

“It’s really exciting. I’m really looking forward to it and Riley is too.”

According to his uncle, young Riley isn’t cut from exactly the same cloth as his nuggety father and uncle.

“He’s the biggest member of our family these days – he’s six-foot something! He’s a good young man and a decent cricketer.

“The whole experience with the crowd and being on TV will be pretty cool for him, but it’s really about enjoying it and getting amongst it.”

Team Cricket captain Dan Vettori’s squad is building nicely, but the cricketers will have their hands full with Kieran Read’s Team Rugby having already secured the services of West Indies legend Brian Lara.

In more good news for Read, his predecessor as All Blacks captain and Team Cricket nemesis Richie McCaw has confirmed he will be back for his sixth straight Black Clash appearance.

“Richie loves the T20 Black Clash and he is a constant thorn in the side of Team Cricket,” Read said. “I’m not sure how many catches he’s taken but I’d bet it is the most by any player in the event. He’s got freakish hands, and his slow left seamers are pretty much unplayable.”

The sixth edition of the T20 Black Clash is locked in for Saturday, 20 January, 2024 at Tauranga’s spectacular Bay Oval.

Tickets are on-sale today at blackclash.co.nz

“My advice is to get in quick,” says Event Director Carlena Limmer.

“This could be the last chance to see the legendary Brian Lara smash a cricket ball live, and it’s also a first chance to see the latest amazing young prospect from one of New Zealand cricket’s most famous families. We know the match will sell out quickly. It always does.”

Hot Springs Spas T20 Black Clash in association with Wolfbrook confirmed players:

Team Cricket brought to you by TPW

Daniel Vettori ©

Nathan McCullum

Riley McCullum

Team Rugby brought to you by SnackaChangi

Kieran Read ©

Brian Lara (Wildcard)

Richie McCaw

About the Hot Spring Spas T20 Black Clash, in association with Wolfbrook
Sat 20 January, 2024
Bay Oval, Tauranga

The biggest stars in rugby and cricket go head-to-head in T20 cricket at Tauranga’s Bay Oval in January.
The first five matches have all come down to the last over, with Team Cricket edging the series 3-2.
The Black Clash annually attracts more than 1 million accumulated viewers on TV 1 and sells out every year.
The last time the event was held at Bay Oval in 2022, tickets sold out 2 weeks prior to the event, so don’t miss out – get your tickets today!

Brought to you by Duco Events and Partners:

For further information, contact Carlena Limmer + 64 21 930-480

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Son of Baz McCullum to play ball at T20 Black Clash