Big men for the big moment (+photos)

Jesse Ryder (left) and Brendon McCullum. Photo / Kenny Rodger

View photos: Black Caps v England, second one-dayer

Black Caps' heroes Jesse Ryder and Brendon McCullum celebrated a rare 10-wicket victory in the second one-day international against England in Hamilton last night. Ryder finished on 79 and McCullum smashed 80 runs from 47 balls.

McCullum's dazzling innings was played with the knowledge his father had suffered a heart attack.

Stu McCullum, a former Otago opening batsman, had the heart attack on Saturday and last night was in Christchurch Hospital. The 51-year-old played 75 first-class games for Otago from 1976-77 to 1991.

His son did him proud at Seddon Park last night, as he and Jesse Ryder reached 165 without loss with an outstanding batting display.

"I'd like to say the performance I put up tonight was testimony to the respect I've got for him," McCullum said. "I'm sure he'd have been watching it."

McCullum said his father was "doing good" and quipped that "hopefully that's the wake-up he needs".

New Zealand bowled England out for 158 but needed 165 under the Duckworth-Lewis system which calculates targets in games affected by rain.

New Zealand lead the five-game series 2-0 with the third match at Eden Park on Friday. Earlier this season, McCullum thrashed 80 not out in only 28 balls against Bangladesh at Queenstown on New Year's Eve.

- NZ HERALD STAFF