Brendon McCullum (224) scored his second double century in Test cricket. Both have come against India. He had also made 225 at Hyderabad in 2010.
McCullum is the fourth New Zealander to score two double centuries after Glenn Turner, Stephen Fleming and Mathew Sinclair. Fleming has three double tons to his name.
McCullum is the first New Zealander to score a double ton against an opponent - both at home and at opponent's venue.
McCullum’s innings is the second highest by a New Zealand captain against India, after Graham Dowling’s 239 at Christchurch in 1967-68.
McCullum’s is the 50th double century scored against India in Test matches. Only England (64) have conceded more double centuries than India.
New Zealand’s total of 503 is their second highest at Auckland, after 595 against South Africa in 2004. Incidentally, New Zealand’s previous highest against India at Auckland was 483 for five declared in 1990.
Ishant Sharma’s 6 for 134 was his fourth five-wicket innings haul in 54 Tests. Last time an Indian pace bowler took six wickets in an innings was also by Ishant Sharma, 6 for 55 against West Indies at Bridgetown in 2011.
The ten sixes in New Zealand innings are the most in an innings in India-New Zealand Tests. There were nine sixes hit by New Zealand batsmen at Christchurch in 1968.
