An innings built by aliens?

Fearless and entertaining. Former players summed up what made Brendon McCullum special.

The greatest challenge a batsman has as his career unfolds is to retain that youthful fearless approach, McCullum owned that NO FEAR style!

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) February 20, 2016

This innings has aptly highlighted what McCullum meant to cricket...edge of the seat excitement and game-changing ability. Take a bow.

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 20, 2016

The innings also got the attention of the most powerful man in New Zealand.

What a way to mark your final game Brendon McCullum, fastest century in test history! What an innings! #NZvAus

— John Key (@johnkeypm) February 20, 2016

And some witty folk.

People retire on a high note. This guy is retiring on a fast note. Please don't Brendon McCullum. #FastestTestCentury

— Rofl de Goa (@abcdvilliers) February 20, 2016

Some used subtle coping mechanisms.

Even as an Australian I'm enjoying this performance by McCullum, almost as much as I enjoyed his World Cup Final performance. #NZvAUS

— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) February 20, 2016

The questions that were most asked on Twitter: Is he going to play the World T20? Why is he not playing the World T20? Folks, he's announced his retirement from international cricket and this is his final game.

Extraordinary cricket being played by NZ! McCullum in T20 mode!!

— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) February 20, 2016

A bit too early for a 1009, we think.

McCullum got one eye on Dhanawade here imo.

— Dave Tickner (@tickerscricket) February 20, 2016

He surely did punch hard during the innings.

Massive congratulations to my mate Brendon McCullum #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/ZkAGkkyPp1

— Kevin Barry (@kevinbarrynzl) February 20, 2016

Some just couldn't believe it, or were predicting one of the theories about this hundred that people will hear 100 years down the line.

This Brendon McCullum innings was built by aliens.

— Dave Tickner (@tickerscricket) February 20, 2016

Kudos to an elder brother who stayed up, and had friends along too.

Unreal little bro. Amazing!!@BLACKCAPS @lukewright204 @grantelliottnz boys loving watching it. pic.twitter.com/BRKc2D6ZCr

— Nathan McCullum (@MccullumNathan) February 20, 2016

What a day. @TeamQuetta into the final, then watching Brendon McCullum smash it everywhere on a green one!! @MccullumNathan @grantelliottnz

— Luke Wright (@lukewright204) February 20, 2016

It surely wasn't easy pickings, though.

Brendon McCullum and Corey Anderson treating the Aussie bowlers like fat kids at an ice-cream buffet. #NZvAUS

— Alt Cricket (@AltCricket) February 20, 2016

When you score 7 off 69 in the same innings, Twitter won't spare you from a bit of relativity.

Wow Williamson faced more balls for his 7 than #McCullum did for his 100.... #NzvAus

— Marko Milinkovic (@AusLoafer) February 20, 2016

Fast hundreds make for fast viewing.

Not often you can say I'll watch a replay of that hundred when I get a spare five minutes! Unbelievable McCullum #NZvAUS

— Rohan Connolly (@rohan_connolly) February 20, 2016

He got a reprieve, to the delight of many a fan.

Man I'm gonna miss Brendon McCullum!! What a legend!! Not often I'm glad an Aussie wicket was a no-ball. Fitting end for a ripping bloke.

— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_M_FOX) February 20, 2016

To put it in perspective.

That was the 3887th ton scored in Test cricket. None have been scored faster. What a slice of history for McCullum to take with him #nzvaus

— Brydon Coverdale (@brydoncoverdale) February 20, 2016

Steven Smith pretty much tried everything to stop our man.

Brendon McCullum hits the fastest ever test century against an Australian team with a fine third man and a backstop in the field.

— Toby Manhire (@toby_etc) February 20, 2016

It didn't take too long for things to get back to normal, given how fast McCullum went about his innings.

Brendon #McCullum out for a sensational 145 off 79 balls. #NowBackToNormalTestFields #AUSvNZ

— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) February 20, 2016

Fans around the world were tuned in, with many pleased for making the trade-off of giving up on their sleep.

I'm so happy I never went to sleep. What an innings, what a legend! Fastest century for B.McCullum! 100* off 54! #NZvAUS #crazy #cricket

— Haroon Ahmed (@hazharoon) February 20, 2016