Brendon McCullum set to bat lower for New Zealand in Tests

New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum ended with an average of 20.5 in the four innings against South Africa when he opened the innings © AFP

Port Elizabeth: Jan 16, 2013

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New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum looks set to bat lower down the order for the home series against Engand in February-March.

McCullum opened in the two Tests against South Africa, ending with an average of 20.5 in four innings.

He had originally targeted the number four spot in place of Ross Taylor, who made himself unavailable for the tour with Peter Fulton opening the batting.

However, Fulton injured his leg in the warm-up game against South Africa XI, as a result of which, McCullum had to open the innings.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said that if Fulton had been available, McCullum would have batted in the middle-order.

“I don’t think Brendon’s game suits blunting an attack, which is what we really needed in this series,” he said, according to an AAP report published by Sydney Morning Herald.

“He applied himself for 240 balls against a top side at the top, but I don’t think that’s the role that he’s going to play best for this team,” he added.

England’s tour of New Zealand kicks-off with three Twenty20 and three ODIs in February, followed by three Tests in March.