McCullum forces Kiwi selectors into U-turn over inclusion for Pak T20 match

AUCKLAND - New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum’s omission from the Twenty20 squad to face Pakistan has been over-ruled after he complained about being sidelined without a fitness test.

The selection panel of Mark Greatbatch, Glenn Turner and Lance Cairns, along with new coach John Wright and captain Daniel Vettori, had decided to omit McCullum from the three-match series due to his back soreness.

However, the 29-year-old’s name was added to the squad on Wednesday after the intervention of New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Chief Executive Justin Vaughan.

“I learned of the fact he was really keen to play, and it appeared as though there hadn’t been any fitness test. We need to make sure the right processes are being followed,” Stuff.co.nz quoted Vaughan, as saying.

Vaughan has reportedly sought the opinion of NZC’s medical adviser Dr. Rob Campbell.

McCullum had a fitness test today with co-ordinator of NZC’s medical panel Dayle Shackel and the New Zealand team’s trainer, Bryan Stronach.

Meanwhile, Wright insisted that the selection panel was concerned about McCullum’s back injury.

“The report the selectors received indicated there was maybe an issue and that rest might be the remedy in view of the test series,” Wright said.

“Brendon is confident and says he’s made some great strides, so let’s see. If he’s fit and ready to go then the selectors would consider it. From where I come from it’s simple. Players have got to prove their fitness - then you make the selections accordingly,” he added. (ANI)