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9 Feb 2026 18:10

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Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Tony Blain has been a keen observer of Brendon McCullum's rise to become England test cricket coach

Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Tony Blain has been a keen observer of Brendon McCullum's rise to become England test cricket coach

29 June 2022

The former Black Caps captain guided his side to victory in their recent series, instilling a bold, aggressive approach.

Blain was friends with McCullum's dad Stu, who rang him upon retirement in 1995... to see if he had any spare keeping gear for a "promising" 14-year-old son.

Blain, who lives in Bradford these days, is thrilled with the outcome almost 27 years later.

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