Cricket: McCullum humbled by Halberg win

Brendon McCullum. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said winning the Halberg Sportsman of the Year award last night was ''really humbling".

McCullum beat out cyclist Sam Webster, basketballer Steven Adams and All Blacks Richie McCaw and Brodie Retallick for the sportsman honour, even though he didn't see the actual announcement.

''We were at a dress rehearsal (for the opening ceremony at the Cricket World Cup) so I was tucked away in a caravan," he said.

McCullum got a heads up 10 minutes before being revealed as the winner, and did a rapid pre-recorded response.

''When you play a team sport individual accolades aren't what you play for, but at the same time I'm respectful of the whole awards and all those other recipients of awards. This one is very much for the boys as well."

He quipped he didn't have many trophies on his mantelpiece ''but we're chasing one at the moment and it would be nice to have that."

McCullum said the award was symbolic of the year the New Zealand team has had.

''It must be pretty hard with the judging process as well. There is a bit of conjecture around it as well but for cricket to be in that spotlight is a good thing and right on the eve of the World Cup can only help the momentum the team's built up," he said.

McCullum, whose triple century against India at the Basin Reserve was also voted the most memorable moment of the sporting year, said it was important his team kept an even keel through the tournament.

''We're going to have tough days at some point soon so we must make sure we remain level headed and pretty down to earth. If we can keep that attitude I think we can ride out the good and bad times."