Vettori wants McCullum at five

Brendon McCullum adds experience to the top order

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori is keen for Brendon McCullum to remain in the number five batting spot for the forthcoming Test series against Bangladesh and Australia.

New Zealand head to Bangladesh on Tuesday for three one-day internationals and two Tests and follow that with a two-Test series in Australia.

McCullum was promoted up the order for the three Tests against England earlier this year and both players are hoping for that to continue.

“I want him to stay there,” Vettori said. “But more importantly, Brendon is desperately keen to do the job. When you’ve got someone who wants to do it that much it’s worth investing in.”

The top order has a very raw look to it now that Stephen Fleming and Scott Styris have stepped down and Vettori believes McCullum’s experience will be vital.

Aaron Redmond and Daniel Flynn have only played three Tests, Ross Taylor eight, while the impressive Jesse Ryder has only played the short form of the game at international level so far.

Only Jamie How, with 12 Tests under his belt, has reached double figures.

“We need Brendon there for his capability but also for his experience,” Vettori said.

“Having him at number five means we take a bit of the batting pressure off Jacob Oram, who also plays a major role with the ball, and we give Daniel Flynn the opportunity to adjust to the intensity of the Test game from the number six position.”

The Black Caps will be taking a keen interest in Australia’s progress in India while they are in Bangladesh but Vettori refused to go as far as saying Australia were vulnerable following the retirements of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist.

“We’re aware of the depth of Australian cricket and we know they’ll be coming at us all guns blazing when the first Test starts in Brisbane,” Vettori added.

“The fact that they’ve lost Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist and company will simply give some very talented replacements an opportunity.”