McCullum cleared for Friday's ODI

BLACKCAPS standby wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins will return home to New Zealand today [Tuesday] after Brendon McCullum was cleared to take full part in Friday's ODI against Australia in Melbourne.

Team manager Lindsay Crocker said McCullum's hip flexor had responded well to treatment since it was injured in training last week. "The muscle was a bit stiff after the match in Perth on Sunday, but the medical team is confident that

Brendon can participate fully in Friday's second ODI," said Crocker.

"It's the selectors' wish that Gareth returns to New Zealand to play in this week's round of State Twenty20 games on Wednesday and Friday. A decision on whether he returns to cover for Brendon over this heavy schedule after Melbourne will be made on Saturday."