McCullum hints may retake 'opener's' role in Kiwi WC campaign

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has hinted that he might take up an opener's role for the World Cup, as the team has struggled to find a consistent partner for Martin Guptill at the top of the order.

McCullum said that he has stated all the way through his career that he would do whatever the team requires, adding that if they are being honest, opening is probably the best thing for the team right now.

McCullum said that he would take on that challenge if it is presented at the World Cup, claiming that there is a bit of water to go under the bridge in terms of team selection and makeup, but added that he is certainly not against it, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Playing McCullum at the top of the order allows New Zealand to utilise their powerful all rounders through the middle of the batting lineup, helping the balance of the side.

McCullum opened the batting in the three Tests against Pakistan with considerable improvement and success, registering scores of 8, 39, 43, 45 and 202, which has taken his year's Test tally to a remarkable 969 runs and every chance of reaching the 1000-run milestone in the Box Day Test in Christchurch.

The skipper believes that the rich flow of runs is reward for a concentrated effort on his batting since he gave up wicketkeeping with back problems, the report added.