McCullum adds fire to Kiwis

Brendon McCullum is set to bat at number five for New Zealand in the first Test

Big-hitting Brendon McCullum will provide the batting experience in New Zealand’s new-look Test team.

Wicketkeeper McCullum has been promoted to number five for the npower Test series against England which begins today at Lord’s - where he narrowly missed a maiden hundred four years ago.

The 26-year-old has become one of the most feared strikers of a ball on the planet and gave the Indian Premier League a scintillating start with a 53-ball hundred.

But the Kiwis are looking for his ability to read games and shape innings as a centre-point of their batting in Test cricket.

“The main reason we did it is how he responded to opening in the one-dayers,” explained Black Caps captain Daniel Vettori. “He seemed to thrive on it and enjoy the responsibility.

“We have to acknowledge he is one of our best batsmen and if he is down at seven, manipulating strike with the tail-end, it is hard for him to maximise potential.

“If you see him play and his talent, we think he can do it. He’s been given the opportunity, so hopefully he will take it.”

McCullum fell for 96 in the second innings of New Zealand’s defeat at Lord’s four years ago, having been promoted to number three due to Nathan Astle’s ill health.

Current captain Daniel Vettori, declared fit despite having stitches in his hand last week, is one of only three other men still in the side to have played in that match.

Although batting is not a problem, the 29-year-old has struggled through bowling practice without being able to give the ball a proper rip due to the wound on his spinning finger.

Vettori will get a chance to rest further if New Zealand’s revamped top order are asked to make first use of what is expected to be a good batting surface.

Opener Aaron Redmond, a converted leg-spinner, and middle-order batsman Daniel Flynn will earn first caps.