Brendon McCullum: Not best of friends but respect Ross Taylor

"It's a bad stain for New Zealand cricket and put pressure on Ross and me. Then it led me to eventually taking over the captaincy from Ross," said McCullum. Taylor had issues with coach Mike Hesson after a 1-1 draw in a Test series in Sri Lanka in 2012. This followed series defeats in South Africa, the West Indies and India and a slip to ninth in the ODI rankings. Taylor was given the option of remaining the Test captain while McCullum leads the limited overs sides but he declined.

"I was asked if I wanted to take over the role of NZ captain in all three formats. So initially, I told them I would get back to them. I needed to think long and hard. I knew it would be a controversial decision. I sat down with my wife, and she said 'you're the best equipped to do it, if it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out'. So I gave them a call, and said I would do it. Ross had turned down the Test captaincy role," said McCullum, adding that he and Taylor are still not the best of friends. "We are not best friends. I have immense amount of respect for him. He has a lovely family and a great career. He is at peace and content in his personal life."

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