No surprises with McCullum's expected selection for one-dayers

Lynn McConnell

December 20, 2002

Brendon McCullum appears set to make a big comeback when New Zealand's selectors announce their side for the National Bank One-Day International Series against India starting in Auckland on Boxing Day.

The young wicket-keeper was used by New Zealand last summer as a batsman-only opener in the VB Series in Australia and struggled to make an impact.

But, once he was over his injury concerns, and that was the focus of his attentions during a busy winter spent in Australia, firstly in Darwin and latterly in Sydney, he was always going to re-emerge.

That his wicket-keeping is back on track has to be welcome news for New Zealand. There is no doubt that McCullum has the opportunity to be New Zeaalnd's next top-line batsman.

He showed as a youth player that he was a hugely dominating influence with the bat and knowing that he will not be required to open the innings will go a long way towards allowing him the freedom to prosper.

McCullum used the Super Max International that started the tour as an example of his preparedness to adapt to the circumstances and play the sort of innings required.

Super Max is hardly the best forum to state your case, but it was an opportunity taken, especially when he was in direct competition with his main rival Chris Nevin. Both players had one innings with the bat and the gloves.

What has backed McCullum's cause is a run of form with Otago in the State Championship.

McCullum has made no secret of his desire to claim a World Cup spot. Should he do well in that role, the world is his oyster and there will be the rare prospect of some competition for the Test match spot as well, as Robbie Hart attempts to cement his place during the Sri Lankan and Indian tours this year.

Of concern in the selection is the still unsettled situation regarding the opening position. It appears that captain Stephen Fleming will open with Nathan Astle, probably more out of frustration with the continuing inability to settle the position than anything else.

It is probably also a personal stimulus to Fleming in his quest for more runs of his own.

Most of the positions in the side are obvious.

Craig McMillan is likely to step up to No 3 in the batting order. Lou Vincent would be at No 4 with Scott Styris next man in.

McCullum would probably bat at No 6 with Jacob Oram at seven, Chris Harris at No 8, followed by Andre Adams, Daniel Vettori and Shane Bond. Paul Hitchcock will probably complete the squad and be used as an alternative to one of the all-rounders.

One of the areas that New Zealand must come to terms with in the Indian series is there bowling at the death, and that is one that is sure to be tested by the Indians.

Given the problems there have been in recent years in controlling the end of the innings, it is one that New Zealand need to resolve before the World Cup. Hitchcock has been touted as the cure-all in the role with his clever variations of pace but other bowlers need to be able to handle the role.

Adams is under pressure to prove he has recovered from injury.

A possible side to be announced by the selectors, Sir Richard Hadlee, Ross Dykes, Brian McKechnie and Denis Aberhart, could be: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Lou Vincent, Scott Styris, Brendon McCullum, Jacob Oram, Chris Harris, Andre Adams, Daniel Vettori, Shane Bond and Paul Hitchcock.

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