WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – Captain Brendon McCullum will return to the middle order in the New Zealand cricket team which will play Sri Lanka in the first of two Test matches at Christchurch from Friday.
McCullum opened the batting in New Zealand’s recent series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, scoring a double century in the third Test. But selection manager Bruce Edgar indicated yesterday, with the announcement of New Zealand’s 13-man squad for the Test at Hagley Oval, that McCullum will rejoin a strong middle order.
“This is another series in different conditions and against a completely different opponent. In these circumstances, we feel Brendon’s better suited to, and offers more value, down the order,” Edgar said.
McCullum will likely bat at No. 5 behind Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor. Tom Latham will open with either Hamish Rutherford or Dean Brownlie, who has been recalled.
Doug Bracewell and Neil Wagner will vie for the third seamer’s role behind Tim Southee and Trent Boult, while offspinner Mark Craig has been preferred as the sole spin option ahead of legspinner Ish Sodhi.
Allrounder Corey Anderson was not considered for selection because of a groin injury.
New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (captain), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Mark Craig, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson.