6 Nov 2015

McCullum comfortable with Warner criticism

3:11 pm on 6 November 2015

Brendon McCullum has responded to David Warner's taunts in typical McCullum style.

Brendon McCullum - NZ Cricket Captain

Brendon McCullum - NZ Cricket Captain Photo: Photosport

On the eve of the opening Test match between the Black Caps and Australia in Brisbane, the Australian opener criticised McCullum for criticising his own on-field actions in the recent Ashes tour.

Responding to Warner's comments, McCullum said Warner's welcome to voice is own opinion.

"I've caught up with Davie downstairs and he's a guy I love to watch play cricket, hopefully not too much of him in this series, but he's a guy who I'd pay to watch play and I've got a whole lot of respect for David Warner as his emergence in the game."

New Zealand cricket great Richard Hadlee has no qualms with Australia's aggressive approach or David Warner's pre-Test words.

Warner, unhappy with a column penned by Brendon McCullum during the Ashes series, was critical of McCullum earlier this week.

But Hadlee speaking on the eve of the first Test at the Gabba, described it as "typical banter".

"It stirs things up. It's good for the media and creates a few headlines," Hadlee said.

"Whether it has an effect on other people, from a personal point of view I can't answer that on behalf of Brendon or any other player."

The three-Test series starts on Thursday in Brisbane, where Hadlee is predicting it will be a "battle out there".

Sir Richard Hadlee with the Chapell-Hadlee trophy.

Sir Richard Hadlee with the Chapell-Hadlee trophy. Photo: Photosport

"I expect the Australians to be confrontational. They always have been and always will be," he said.

"Nothing will change, they've said that. That's the way they play the game, so be it.

"Our approach will be to ignore all that, just get on and play the game as hard and as fair as we can and compete.

"Let all the talking be done with the skills."

Hadlee starred in New Zealand's only test win at the Gabba, taking 15 wickets to put the visitors on track for their only series win in Australia.

Meanwile Doug Bracewell has been named as New Zealand's third pace bowler for the Black Cap's first test against Australia in Brisbane tomorrow.

Bracewell was in the running for the spot along with Matt Henry.

Tim Southee and Trent Boult will open the bowling for New Zealand.

McCullum said it was tough deciding between the two Henry and Bracewell but Bracewell was playing slightly better so got the call up.