Graeme Smith: Brendon McCullum put the Black Caps on the map

Brendon McCullum and Graeme Smith. Photo / Getty

Graeme Smith, the former South African captain, has praised the attacking and good-natured spirit Brendon McCullum has brought to world cricket. But he does not believe every country should follow his lead.

Smith, speaking on RadioSport, said it was important for each team to be "authentic" which meant doing what was best for their own prospects.

"Everyone will talk about his dynamic batting (but) the spirit in which he played the game will be remembered," said Smith of McCullum, who has announced he will retire from internationals in February. "But everyone is trying to be authentic and the key is to work out your own strengths and weaknesses as a team, country, personality. How do you play and operate best?

"What people love of New Zealand teams of late is they haven't required that sort of (overly aggressive) stuff and shown spirit in other ways.

"New Zealand found their authentic style of play and every other team will have different mindsets. Brendon put himself and his team on the map and no one can call New Zealand underdogs anymore. He's given them real status in the game, and the players have backed him up beautifully."

LISTEN: Graeme Smith speaks with Kent Johns on Radio Sport