BLACKCAPS captain Brendon McCullum will revert to his customary middle-order batting position for the ANZ Boxing Day Test against Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
McCullum opened the batting in all three Tests during the recent series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, scoring a double-century in the final match at Sharjah.
However, New Zealand Cricket’s GM National Selection Bruce Edgar says McCullum will not continue in the opening role.
“This is another series, in different conditions and against a completely different opponent,” said Mr Edgar. “In these circumstances, we feel Brendon’s better suited to, and offers more value, down the order.”
Other features of the 13-man squad include the selectors’ preference for Mark Craig as the sole spin-bowler following his man-of-the-match performance in Sharjah; the recall of Dean Brownlie, and the unavailability of all-rounder Corey Anderson through injury.
Anderson suffered a groin strain in the fourth ODI against Pakistan and was not considered for selection.
BLACKCAPS Test squad
Brendon McCullum (c) – Otago Volts
Trent Boult – Northern Knights
Doug Bracewell – Central Stags
Dean Brownlie – Northern Knights
Mark Craig – Otago Volts
Tom Latham - Canterbury
James Neesham - Otago Volts
Hamish Rutherford – Otago Volts
Tim Southee – Northern Knights
Ross Taylor – Central Stags
Neil Wagner – Otago Volts
BJ Watling – Northern Knights
Kane Williamson – Northern Knights
