McCullum departs ODI arena on a high

Brendon McCullum is departing one-day cricket on a high after leading New Zealand to a series win over Australia to retain the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.

McCullum's 260th and last ODI resulted in a 55-run victory in Hamilton after his side had set what had appeared to be a modest target of 247.

"Beating the world champions and in the Chappell-Hadlee series, which means so much to us, is a fitting way to step away from the game, I guess," he said.

After New Zealand were sent in to bat at Seddon Park, McCullum was given a guard of honour by the Australian team and he walked out to open in the innings.

It was a gesture he won't forget in a hurry.

"You play the Australians and it's the toughest test," he said.

"They are the best in the world and they have been for a long time."

McCullum said success against Australia had to be earned and that's what made the guard of honour a humbling experience.

"The guys showed their respect and you hope that you have earned it over the years," he said.

"It's something I will remember for the rest of my life. It was a really nice touch."

It didn't change his approach out in the middle, however, and he produced a typically aggressive knock, smashing 47 in 27 balls.

He hit three sixes among his nine boundaries to become the fourth player to amass 200 sixes in ODI history.

He finishes his ODI career on 6083 runs, having scored five centuries, his highest being his 166 against Ireland at Aberdeen in 2008.

McCullum's 14-year Black Caps career began with a one-dayer against Australia in Sydney.

It will end after the upcoming two-Test series against the tourists, the first in Wellington when he is set to make a world-record 100th consecutive Test appearance.