New Zealand Cricket medical staff today announced that Brendon McCullum is unlikely to be available for selection for the first two Twenty20 matches of The National Bank Series against Pakistan.
Speaking on behalf of the selection panel, Glenn Turner said: “Following a fitness test Brendon McCullum reported back stiffness and this will almost certainly see him miss the first two Twenty20 matches against Pakistan.
“He has shown great determination and a great willingness to push through discomfort in order to help the BLACKCAPS on the recent tour of India but because Brendon is committed to being a wicket-keeper batsmen for the BLACKCAPS in limited overs cricket we are taking a longer term view and will not risk further set backs.
“The medical staff are confident that intensive treatment and the right rehabilitation will stabilise his injury and get him back to full fitness.
“As is normal procedure, he will be monitored closely and will complete another fitness test prior to the third Twenty20.
“He may be available for selection in the third Twenty20 as a batsmen but only if the testing and assessment prove that his involvement will not have a detrimental affect on his overall recovery and his ability to wicket-keep in the One-Day series.
“Brendon is expected to be available for the first Test and during that period he will complete a programme that focuses on strengthening his back, including wicket-keeping specific exercises, to give him the best possible chance of playing a full part in the One-Dayers.”
