Cricket: McCullum could give up the gloves

Brendon McCullum recently revealed a desire to play as a batsman only. Photo / Getty Images

Brendon McCullum could farewell the New Zealand wicketkeeping gloves after the second cricket test against Australia as he reflects on his best test innings in a losing cause.

McCullum marked his 50th test with his fifth century as New Zealand stretched the first test into the fifth day before losing by 10 wickets at the Basin Reserve here today.

He reined in his natural instincts, which saw him depart loosely for 24 in the first innings, to hit 104 in 229 minutes and 187 balls as the hosts posted a respectable 407.

McCullum's previous centuries were against Bangladesh (twice), Zimbabwe and India, to go with 90s against England (twice, at Lord's in 2004 and 2008) and Sri Lanka in Napier.

"I was pleased with how I adjusted my game from the way I played in the first innings to try and give us an opportunity," McCullum said.

"Against a very good team it probably rates as my best test century but when you lose a game it doesn't quite have the same feeling."

The big question over McCullum now is how long the term 'wicketkeeper/batsman' will be used beside his name, even as he remains the country's premier gloveman.

He recently revealed a desire to play as a batsman only, and in the one-dayers against Australia he fielded and Gareth Hopkins took the gloves. That appears likely to continue in next month's Twenty20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

"We've got a few months coming up that we've got off, so it's something we've got to try and weigh up during that down time," he said.

"At the moment I'm very much focused on making sure I make a contribution in this test match as a wicketkeeper/batsman."

Captain Daniel Vettori, who added a New Zealand sixth wicket record against Australia of 126 with McCullum, admitted he'd prefer the gloves to remain with McCullum.

"It's a tough one and Brendon and I have had a number of discussions about it. The emergence of Gareth Hopkins on the limited overs will make the decision a little bit easier if it does go that way.

"I still think Brendon's one of the best wicketkeeper/batsmen in the world. If we can get him for all forms of the game then that'd be great.

"I also understand that in one-dayers and Twenty20 his runs are the most important thing to us. If that's the best thing for the team I'll support it."

- NZPA