McCullum committed to keep in limited overs cricket

Brendon McCullum has committed to continue wicketkeeping in Twenty20 and One Day International (ODI) matches for the BLACKCAPS but will cease keeping in Test cricket.

McCullum said it is a decision he has not made lightly. “I have talked to a lot of people about how they went about extending their international careers, including some prominent former and current wicketkeepers. I am passionate about playing for the BLACKCAPS and by limiting my keeping to the shorter forms of the game it increases my chances of prolonging my career.”

General Manager of Cricket for New Zealand Cricket, Geoff Allott, said it is good news for the BLACKCAPS despite the fact that he will be hanging up the gloves in test cricket.

“Brendon enjoys the challenge of test cricket and has been a strong performer for New Zealand as keeper over a significant period of time. While his glove work will be missed, we understand and support his decision to focus his attention on scoring runs at test level, and his objective to play on the international cricket stage for as long as possible. It is great to know he will continue to keep wickets in limited overs cricket.”

McCullum is one of the leading players in the history of cricket for most consecutive matches and NZC are keen to see that dedication continue.

“We need to work with players such as Brendon to ensure they stay fit and available for selection, with particular attention paid to those with heavy playing schedules,” Allott said.

Selectors’ spokesman and BLACKCAPS’ coach Mark Greatbatch said the selection panel understood McCullum’s decision. “Brendon has stated he wants to play cricket for New Zealand for as long as possible and that is really encouraging. I know he has had trouble with injuries that are related to keeping, and therefore understand his decision to stop keeping in Test Cricket,” Greatbatch said.

“He is a really talented player and we want him to be part of the BLACKCAPS’ set-up for a long time to come. But Brendon clearly understands he will only be considered as a Test batsman on his long-form batting performances.”