New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum today became the first of his countrymen to score a triple century in Test cricket as he led his side to a remarkable draw against India in the second Test match at Wellington, ensuring the hosts' 1-0 series win.

Continuing on from his overnight score of 288, McCullum quickly scored the required 12 runs that he needed to surpass Martin Crowe's 23-year record, made on the same ground, before knicking off to Zaheer Khan for 302.

The 32 year-old's mammoth innings came from 559 balls and McCullum had been at the crease for nearly 13 hours by the time India finally removed him from the wicket.

Speaking after the game, McCullum explained that he was "embarrassed" by his feat, saying: "I'm very respectful of all the guys I managed to get past today, Martin Crowe in particular who's held the record for over 20 years.

"I almost feel a little embarrassed to go past someone of that calibre, and Stephen Fleming and all the other names as well. It's incredibly humbling to put your name up there and score the first triple century for New Zealand."

Having enterred the fray in his side's second innings, with his team staring down the barrel of an innings defeat at 52-3 and 248 runs behind India, McCullum shared a match-saving, and record, sixth-wicket partnership with BJ Whatling of 352 before debutant Jimmy Neesham scored his first Test century alongside his captain before New Zealand declared on 680-8, 435 runs ahead of India with 69 overs to play.

New Zealand started brightly and would have been dreaming of an incredible win when India lost their top three inside 23 overs and were left reeling at 54-3 but Virat Kohli's superb unbeaten 105 off just 135 balls, combined with Rohit Sharma's dogged 31 not out, saw India to safety with the two teams shaking hands on a draw with India 166-3.