McCullum to lead Black Caps in absence of regular skipper
New Zealand will have to do without captain Daniel Vettori for the two Twenty20 internationals against England next week.
The 28-year-old left-arm spinner has been ruled out of the fixtures after failing to respond to treatment on an ankle problem.
He picked up the injury during a training session last week and could now also be doubtful for the opening match of the one-day series next Saturday.
The absence of Vettori - who was the most economical bowler in the World Twenty20 Championships last year - is a big loss for the hosts.
"He's a lot better today than yesterday but he's made a pretty good job of his ankle," New Zealand manager Lindsay Crocker told the New Zealand Press Association (NZPA) on Sunday.
"He's been able to move a little bit more freely on it and he's coming along but not in time for the Twenty20s."
Wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum has been named as stand-in skipper.
The New Zealand selectors had already called up spinner Jeetan Patel to the squad as cover for Vettori.
The opening Twenty20 match takes place at Eden Park on Tuesday before the two teams move on to Christchurch for the second contest two days later. Both games are live on Sky Sports.
