Kiwi keeper McCullum set for move down batting order

WELLINGTON - New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori and batting coach Mark Greatbatch have reportedly decided to push batsman-wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum down the order to change the fortunes of the team after its 4-0 loss to Bangladesh in a one-day international series.

McCullum is expected to be shifted from his preferred slot as a flying opener to return to his successful post at No 7 where he looked to win matches in the dying overs rather than the opening ones.

Judging by their comments to The Dominion Post, they will try to convince the New Zealand Cricket Board the team has never worked harder, the controversial management model they have in place is the correct one and the buck stops with the batsmen.

“I’ve summoned myself. I think it is important that people understand everything that went on, and it’s for myself as well so that I understand where NZC is coming from. I know their expectations but it needs to be face-to-face rather than relayed second hand,” Vettori was quoted, as saying.

“I hope people understand that whatever they are feeling that it is 100 times worse for me and the players. We are dying about these results and we want a chance to turn it around,” he added.

High performance manager Roger Mortimer will join the pair in Wellington. Vettori and Greatbatch support his involvement.

“Roger is there to make sure the players adhere to their own personal programmes,” Vettori said. (ANI)