Cricket: McCullum's 'keeping role remains up in air

Brendon McCullum has reaffirmed his commitment to the New Zealand cricket team as talks continue to settle on his future playing role.

McCullum, comfortably this country's best wicketkeeper, has indicated he wants to give away the gloves and continue his international career as a specialist batsman.

He was used at the Twenty20 world championship in the West Indies as an opening batsman, with Gareth Hopkins donning the gloves, a scenario coach Mark Greatbatch last week said could be replicated in other forms of the game.

McCullum today said the issue would not be resolved any time soon.

He is in Florida with the New Zealand team preparing for two Twenty20 internationals against Sri Lanka, with New Zealand's next assignment being a limited overs tri-series against Sri Lanka and India in Sri Lanka in August.

McCullum, 28, will skip that tournament because his wife is due to give birth so his next scheduled trip will be the team's following test and one-day tour to Bangladesh.

Having played 52 tests and 215 one-day internationals, he said the issue of his future playing role was some way off from being settled.

"That's something to be decided over the next wee while in terms of what's right for the balance of the team and what's right for my career," McCullum told Radio Sport.

"There are a couple of issues in terms of my body, and my back in particular. I don't want to miss out on playing any games for New Zealand and I have to work out the best way to have longevity in the game.

"There are three months coming up when I will look at making a decision along with the relevant people at New Zealand Cricket and the selectors."

McCullum said he could see a role for himself in the top order, batting at No 3 which has been a problem position for New Zealand.

"The way I see it is that we have a glaringly obvious issue at the top of the order and it would be great to make an impact and try to rectify that.

"If it was to be the case that I wasn't able to play as a wicketkeeper, it would mean I could spend the required time on my batting.

"I know it'd be a challenge. I'm not saying I'd be instantly successful at it but I do enjoy a challenge. I'd be hopeful of being successful."

McCullum stressed a changed role would not lessen his commitment to the national side.

"I know my motives are sound, my desire is sound. I have played six years for New Zealand cricket without missing a game now and in terms (of being self serving) I think that's a little off the mark.

"I certainly have a strong desire to play for New Zealand and a real passion to perform for New Zealand."

- NZPA