McCullum key for Kiwis

Brendon McCullum is the in-form player © Getty Images

New Zealand are hoping explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum can provide an inspiration for the rest of their squad to surprise England in the first Test on Wednesday.

McCullum has enjoyed a stunning run of form recently, building on his stunning displays during the one-day series success against England with equally eye-catching performances in domestic cricket.

He followed his first domestic one-day century with a stunning 170 off 108 balls - a domestic New Zealand one-day record - to help Otago win the State Shield final on Sunday.

It ensures he enters the Test series as the in-form player in either side and captain Daniel Vettori believes he can inspire confidence in the rest of the squad.

"Brendon is always a confident guy so it doesn't really matter what form he's in, but I think when you see a guy hit a purple patch like he's in at the moment it's a little bit inspirational," admitted Vettori.

"We all sat back and watched the State Shield final and just admired what was an amazing innings. It gives you a great deal of confidence when you've got a guy coming in at number seven who can do a job like that.

"He probably won't be as aggressive as that in a Test match, but he's an aggressive player and has the ability to take the game away from a team. Whenever you've got one of those guys in your side you get excited."

While McCullum can provide inspiration for New Zealand, Vettori is also mindful of an England side who have been strengthened considerably since their 3-1 defeat in the one-day series.

Kevin Pietersen is expected to be the dangerman for England

The tourists have brought in experienced seamers Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard while rival captain Michael Vaughan has also increased their experience levels in the batting line-up.

But Vettori believes the big dangerman in England's ranks remains the same and concedes that the wicket of Kevin Pietersen will be regarded as particularly special during the series.

"Pietersen averages 50 in Test cricket and he's also one of those guys who can take a game away from you like McCullum," said Vettori. "If this wicket is as flat as I predict with small boundaries and a quick outfield then he's the sort of guy who can really take it to you.

"They've got five other guys who average over 40 so they have a lot of weapons and it's not just a case of us turning up and trying to get Pietersen and forgetting about the rest.

“They're bringing in some very experienced players in there like Vaughan, Hoggard and Harmison who, at times, have been the best in the world in their positions.

"When you bring guys like that into a side it probably adds a little bit of confidence within the team and also the weight of their experience helps as well."

New Zealand have been forced to make one change to their squad with seamer Iain O'Brien forced to withdraw after stubbing his left toe in the nets on Monday.

He has been replaced by fellow seamer Mark Gillespie, although New Zealand are still contemplating using Vettori and Jeetan Patel as a twin-spin strikeforce, which they believe will be useful on Hamilton's dry wicket.