McCullum, Taylor withdrawn from Kiwi tour to Sri Lanka to rest for Windies Tests

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and batsman Ross Taylor has reportedly been withdrawn from their team's tour to Sri Lanka in November in order to rest them for their home tests against the West Indies, starting in December.

McCullum and Taylor would have the opportunity to prepare for the Tests with the domestic first-class Plunket Shield and New Zealand XI matches prior to the first Test against West Indies on December 3 in Dunedin.

According to Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) general manager (national selection) Bruce Edgar said that the duo would not go on to Sri Lanka for the three ODIs and two Twenty20s so that they can rest and prepare for the longer format of the game, adding that both the players need red ball preparation to be at their best for the Tests.

Stating that both McCullum and Taylor are vital to New Zealand's success, Edgar also said that as both the players play all three formats of the game, it is important to manage their playing loads in order to fine tune their skills ahead of major events like the 2015 World Cup.

Edgar further said the return of Taylor and McCullum, as well as fast bowler Tim Southee who is recovering from ankle surgery, also allowed for the development of players that would add to New Zealand's depth in ODIs and T20s.

Luke Ronchi and Ian Butler would join the squad in Sri Lanka, while Kane Williamson would captain the team in McCullum's absence, the report added.