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McCullum hangs up the gloves

Image: McCullum: Wants to be picked as a specialist batsman

Brendon McCullum has announced he is to quit wicketkeeping in Test cricket and seek selection as a specialist batsman.

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New Zealand Cricket support 28-year-old's decision

Brendon McCullum has announced he is to quit wicketkeeping in Test cricket and seek selection for New Zealand as a specialist batsman. The 28-year-old has made the decision in an attempt to extend his career, though he will continue behind the stumps in limited overs cricket. McCullum has played in 52 Tests since making his debut against South Africa back in 2004 and averages just under 35 with the bat. "I have talked to a lot of people about how they went about extending their international careers, including some prominent former and current wicketkeepers," he said. "I am passionate about playing for the Black Caps and by limiting my keeping to the shorter forms of the game it increases my chances of prolonging my career."

Strong performer

Geoff Allott, the general manager of cricket for New Zealand Cricket, accepted the decision in the face of such gruelling international schedules. "Brendon enjoys the challenge of Test cricket and has been a strong performer for New Zealand as keeper over a significant period of time," he admitted. "While his glove work will be missed, we understand and support his decision to focus his attention on scoring runs at test level, and his objective to play on the international cricket stage for as long as possible. "It is great to know he will continue to keep wickets in limited overs cricket. "We need to work with players such as Brendon to ensure they stay fit and available for selection, with particular attention paid to those with heavy playing schedules." Selectors' spokesman and Black Caps coach Mark Greatbatch added: "Brendon has stated he wants to play cricket for New Zealand for as long as possible and that is really encouraging. "I know he has had trouble with injuries that are related to keeping, and therefore understand his decision to stop keeping in Test cricket."

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