Brendon McCullum defied the pain barrier on the Black Caps recent tour to Australia as it was revealed yesterday he played with a fracture on his kneecap.
The gutsy wicketkeeper-batsman sustained the knock while batting during the first test against Australia at the Gabba but rode the pain until the
conclusion of the Adelaide test.
Following that he had precautionary tests which, to the surprise of both himself and medicos, revealed a small fracture to the kneecap.
Fortunately the x-rays also revealed bony growth. That news meant the healing process was already underway.
McCullum went on to play a starring role in the first one-dayer in Melbourne, guiding the Black Caps to victory with an outrageous shovel shot off Shane Watson.
Black Caps doctor Warren Frost said it was "an inconvenience more than anything. He did suffer pain in Australia but it is fine now".
Despite reports to the contrary, McCullum's participation in the one-day series against Sri Lanka, beginning at Eden Park on Boxing Day, is not in doubt.
He will wear extra padding around the knee as a precaution while batting, but it isn't expected to affect his wicketkeeping.
There is no backup wicketkeeper in the New Zealand squad, with Mathew Sinclair capable of wearing the gloves if McCullum should succumb during a game.
McCullum was ostensibly "rested" for Canterbury's disastrous State Championship match against Auckland at Hagley Oval last week, which they lost by an innings.
He was meant to take part in a Twenty20 benefit match for Alex Tait at Whangarei today but his participation is now in doubt.
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
