New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum struggling for ODI with Sri Lanka
Wednesday 30 December 2015 09:20, UK
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum is unlikely to play in Wednesday night's ODI with Sri Lanka because of a niggling injury.
McCullum, who has long battled a bad back, damaged a disc diving for a ball on the boundary during the second match in Christchurch on Monday which the hosts won to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
"He's still pretty sore," coach Mike Hesson said. "It's unlikely he'll play but he's still a chance.
"Normally we talk about 24 to 48 hours [for recovery]. It's probably closer to 48 than 24. He's certainly improving but unless he's good to go, we won't risk him. He's certainly one of those guys that if there's a chance he can play he'd like to."
There is better news for batsman Kane Williamson and fast bowler Adam Milne who are in line for selection after recovering from injuries.
Williamson hurt his knee fielding during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Hamilton but proved his fitness in a full training session.
"Kane's great. He was keen to play the last one but he was still pretty sore. He's trained well today and recovered well," Hesson added.
The Black Caps will also play Sri Lanka in Twenty20 matches on January 7 in Mt Maunganui and Auckland three days later as part of their preparations for the World T20 in India.
All-rounder Corey Anderson has been named in the T20 squad captained by Williamson and is set to make his return from a prolonged back injury of his own which has kept him sidelined since the tour of England in May.
Anderson will only bat during the series as he eases back into international cricket.
All-rounder Grant Elliott, who struck the winning six off South Africa paceman Dale Steyn to guide New Zealand into their first World Cup final in March, has also been named in the squad after recovering from a fractured wrist.
Dinesh Chandimal will lead the Sri Lankan T20 team in New Zealand following a knee injury to Lasith Malinga.
Regular Twenty20 captain Malinga sustained the knee injury during the home series against West Indies but was expected to play the two Twenty20 matches that conclude Sri Lanka's tour.
Sri Lanka are also missing injured pacer Dhammika Prasad while Kusal Perera has been banned for a failed dope test.
Opening batsman Danushka Gunathilaka and paceman Suranga Lakmal have been added to the squad for the two matches in January.
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