With the emergence of depth in New Zealand cricket's limited-overs batting recently, questions have again been raised over the role of Brendon McCullum.
McCullum's opening role in the Twenty20s looks assured for the time being but in 50 over matches he has averaged just 19 with a topscore of 43 from 13 matches this summer. Some argue McCullum could return to the middle order, allowing Martin Guptill and a fit Jesse Ryder to open.
Black Caps coach Andy Moles says he is still backing McCullum at the top, for the time being. Moles says they have to try to get the balance right as Ross Taylor likes to bat at four in the one-day game so they need someone at three like Guptill who can do the job.
Moles points out that they will have their power-hitting back in the middle-order when Jacob Oram is fit again.
For Nathan McCullum, those Dunedin backyard battles with younger brother Brendon are really starting to reap reward. He continues to be a threat to Jeetan Patel as New Zealand's back-up spinner in limited-overs cricket.
On averages McCullum is in the top four domestic Twenty20 batsmen with 79.5 from four games, including two not outs and a 76. He is the ninth best bowler compared to Patel, who is second, with five wickets at 16.80.
Moles says McCullum is definitely in favour in Twenty20s these days as his batting brings an all-round game to the role, but the competition for the spot will improve both players.
Captain Daniel Vettori says McCullum adds more options to the side's game but he rates Patel the better bowler.
