was overshadowed and marred by Hansie Cronje’s decision to forfeit a test innings in the fifth and final test to ensure a result rather than a draw. He further demonstrated his batting prowess in the first test of the Sri Lankan tour at spin friendly turning tracks in Galle International Stadium in 2000 where he went onto score a career defining century and managed to counter the threat of spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan during the knock. He was part of the South African side which clinched the 2000 Singapore Challenge which was played as a tri-nation tournament among South Africa, New Zealand and Pakistan. In January 2001, when he scored his 12th test century during the second test match at Cape Town against Sri Lanka, he broke the then South African record of most test centuries which was held by Gary Kirsten at that time. He attempted to opt out of ODI cricket at the end of the 2001 season but he was thrown under the bus by Cricket South Africa as undue pressure was inserted on him to sign a new two-year contract. However, things turned swiftly as he announced his international retirement in 2002 under chaotic circumstances mainly due to a dispute with the cricket board. However, after the announcement of his retirement he was soon recalled back to the team for the home test series against Australia in the same season. He recovered from a knee injury which he sustained prior to the series but he was not included in the playing XI for the first test. He was however drafted into the team for the second test replacing Boeta Dippenaar. He dropped a bombshell by suddenly pulling out from the squad withdrawing himself just hours before the eve of the second test match at Cape Town in an unceremonious way and flew to Johannesburg immediately. There were rumors circulated that he may have even captained the team had he made himself available on the absence of Shaun Pollock for the second test due to Pollock being a doubtful starter for the test if the latter had failed the late fitness test. The board clarified that it couldn't meet the set expectations and certain demands made by Cullinan which led to contractual dispute. He later issued a public apology regarding the lasy minute withdrawal from the Australia series. Warne's bunny Cullinan scored only 153 runs averaging 12.75