Share

McCullum out of Sri Lanka ODI

Mount Maunganui - Outgoing New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum was ruled out of the final one-day international against Sri Lanka on Monday as he struggles to recover from a back injury.

Tuesday's game in Mount Maunganui will be the third McCullum has missed since he was injured on December 28 while fielding against Sri Lanka in the second game of the five-match series.

Coach Mike Hesson initially said McCullum, who will retire from international cricket after next month's Tests against Australia, had a chance of completing the Sri Lanka series.

But Hesson said on Monday that the skipper will not be considered until the first ODI against Pakistan in Wellington on January 25.

"He's really struggling," Hesson said. "He hasn't progressed as well as we'd thought. He will get a further assessment."

McCullum had already announced he would sit out the Twenty20 matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan as he will not be going to the World Cup in March.

Fast bowler Tim Southee, who suffered a foot injury in the third ODI against Sri Lanka in Nelson last Thursday, will also miss Tuesday's game.

However, his regular new-ball partner Trent Boult returns to the side after being rested for the first four games.

With New Zealand 2-1 up, Sri Lanka need to win on Tuesday to draw the series after earlier being beaten 2-0 in the Tests. The fourth ODI was abandoned Saturday because of heavy rain.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE