Brendon McCullum rested for final Twenty20
New Zealand wicketkeeper batsman Brendon McCullum will be rested for the final Twenty20 match against Pakistan on Thursday, 30 December 2010.
Before the start of the series, McCullum had a problem with his back and was unable to participate in the opening two matches. He passed the fitness test but the selectors decided to rest their star player as the hosts have already sealed the series.
Selector Glenn Turner was satisfied with the fitness of McCullum but said he will not risk McCullum and will be given appropriate rest before the start of the Test and ODI series.
Commenting on his fitness test Turner said, “Brendon got through the fitness test well and we're pleased with the progress he's made.”
Turner said that it would be a sensible approach to rest McCullum rather than bringing him to action straight away. He further added, “This is in view of the heavy workload Brendon will shoulder in the upcoming test and ODI series: we believe the extra rest
will be of benefit in the longer term.”
Apart from McCullum, the skipper of the New Zealand team Daniel Vettori was also unavailable for the Twenty20 series following his back problems. The http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 which tested their physical and mental toughness.
The senior players had extra pressure on them due to the continuous failures in subcontinent. New Zealand lost 11 straight ODI matches in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bangladesh-c747 and India.
Due to continuous failures, New Zealand Cricket board was forced to change the coach of the team. Mark Greatbatch was replaced by John Wright who has coached India for a long time.
The experience of Wright in subcontinent gives the New Zealand team an advantage as the 2011 World Cup will be played in subcontinent.
The Kiwis will now be confident of the Test and ODI series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 after winning the Twenty20 series.
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