9 Nov 2014

McCullum to open against Pakistain

5:35 pm on 9 November 2014

New Zealand cricket captain Brendon McCullum will return to open the batting in the first cricket Test against Pakistan starting in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum Photo: PHOTOSPORT

McCullum's promotion allows both all-rounders, Corey Anderson and Jimmy Neesham, to be included along with the two spinners, Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig.

There are only two specialist pace bowlers in the team, with Trent Boult and Tim Southee to lead the Black Caps' attack.

Tom Latham will open the batting with McCullum, with Hamish Rutherford missing out.