One of Adam Gilchrist’s biggest strengths was his ability to launch an ODI innings with an assault of boundary hitting in the first few overs, setting his team up with a good starting run rate. Sometimes he would even stick around until the end of the innings, making huge scores.

Brendon McCullum has done much the same for New Zealand in recent years, his 80 not out from just 28 balls against Bangladesh late last year an obvious example. Even in the recent tour  by England he showed his skill at the top of the order, scoring 77 from 43 balls in Christchurch, 80 from 47 in Hamilton and finishing the series with an average of 65.25 and a strike rate of 128.57.

Of course McCullum has not fared as well in the Test arena, finding it difficult to curb his natural attacking instincts and hold down an end, preferring to play his strokes which sometimes gets him into trouble. But this is a problem with his head, not his skills, and will in time be sorted out by the Black Caps’ coaching staff.

'Behind the stumps he is as steady as they come, rarely making an error and taking some very difficult chances'

Behind the stumps he is as steady as they come, rarely making an error and taking some very difficult chances. McCullum always talks a lot, encouraging his team-mates and showing his natural leadership skills.

Others have clearly seen the talent McCullum has to offer, earning him a contract with former Australian coach John Buchanan’s Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League worth US$700,000. That makes him the second highest paid wicketkeeper in that league, behind M S Dhoni, who is also captain of his team.

In that competition Kumar Sangakkara is valued the same as McCullum, while Boucher is worth just over half at US$450,000.