Injured McCullum ruled out of first two T20s against Pakistan

AUCKLAND - New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum has been ruled out of Sunday’s opening Twenty20 international against Pakistan due to his back soreness.

McCullum had injured his back during the second Test against India in November.

It brings an end to the farcical situation that arose this week, when the right-handed batsman had negotiated his way back into the squad after complaining that he was sidelined without a fitness test. Following a fitness test, Brendon McCullum reported back stiffness and this will almost certainly see him miss the first two Twenty20 matches against Pakistan,” Stuff.co.nz quoted selector Glenn Turner, as saying.

“He has shown great determination and a great willingness to push through discomfort in order to help the Black Caps during the recent tour of India, but because Brendon is committed to being a wicket-keeper batsmen in limited-overs cricket we are taking a longer- term view and will not risk further setbacks,” he added.

The 29-year-old will be considered for the third match in Christchurch on December 30 if his lower back heals to the satisfaction of the medical team.

The Black Caps are already missing regular captain Daniel Vettori, who has been rested for the Twenty20s. (ANI)