NelsonNew Zealands swashbuckling captain Brendon McCullum likely to sit out the third one-day international against Sri Lanka in Nelson on New Year’s Eve – though his successor Kane Williamson has recovered from injury.
McCullum hurt his back in the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Tuesday while fielding during the 10-wicket win and took no part in training on Wednesday.
As the squad did fielding drills before heading to the nets, McCullum was being treated by medical staff.
“He’s rested up today, he’s still pretty sore. He’s got a chance to play but is probably unlikely,” said Black Caps coach Mike Hesson.
“The facet joint’s flared up a little bit more than normal. We normally talk about 24-48 hours (recovery). It’s probably closer to 48 hours than 24. He’s certainly improving but unless he’s good to go we won’t risk him,” he said, admitting: “He’s one of those guys that if there’s a chance for him to play, he’d like to.”
Hesson thought it was more realistic for McCullum to play in the second leg of the Saxton Oval double-header on Saturday.
“If he doesn’t make it tomorrow, he’ll definitely make it for the next one. We’ll chose a conservative option if he’s not a hundred [pert cent] but we like to leave that option [to play] open because he does make miraculous recoveries from time to time.”
Although McCullum is in the twilight of his career, the 34-year-old, who retires from international cricket after the two-test series with Australia in February, shows no signs of slackening off in the field.
Black Caps batting coach Craig McMillan admitted “there’s no off button” when his former team-mate took the field, a view endorsed by Hesson.
“I think that’s been a huge part of our change of culture in the last couple of years, his intensity in the field. That sets the standard.
“That’s been something we’ve talked about for the last couple of years, that we don’t do things by halves. We’re fully committed in the field and if an injury occurs then so be it,” he said.
“Over the last 18 months he’s certainly changed our standards in the field.”
Williamson, who injured his right knee while fielding in the second Sri Lankan test in Hamilton, took a full part in training at the match venue.
“Kane’s great. He was keen to play the one but he was still pretty sore. He’s trained well today and recovered well,” he said, as Williamson bowled in the background.
Fast bowler Adam Milne is also in contention for a recall after he was rested from game two as a precaution after a long-term heel injury caused some discomfort.
“I’m confident he’ll play a part tomorrow,” said Hesson, who also has Tim Southee primed for action after he joined the squad as a scheduled replacement for Matt Henry.
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