Thaindian News

Wellington, June 22 (IANS) Despite losing out in the New Zealand captaincy race, Brendan McCullum backed Ross Taylor and said he’ll support the newly appointed skipper.

McCullum admitted that he was disappointed at not being named the captain for all the three formats.

“Obviously, I was disappointed to miss out on something that I desperately wanted but ultimately you have got to move on, and I do wish Ross all the best and I definitely support him along that journey,” McCullum was quoted as saying by Radio Sport.

“I had my opportunity to present my case and to show what I thought was the way forward for New Zealand Cricket, and ultimately they decided to go another route and you can’t argue with that. We’re good enough mates as well to overcome any differences this process may have thrown up.”

McCullum said he is looking forward to playing international cricket for another “five to six” years.

“Inside the first 24 hours when you suffer that disappointment, you go through a range of different emotions and different thoughts. It took me about 24 hours for everything to come clear and that I have a huge opportunity to contribute to this team,” McCullum said.

“It is still for me about playing for my country. It always has been. There may be a misconception out there that I’m not like that, but I’m incredibly passionate about playing for my country and that will never change.”

“Whilst I may have opportunities to play elsewhere during my times off, New Zealand cricket is my priority and I’m excited by what the next five years could throw up for me.”

McCullum also said that he wants the vice-captaincy role.

“I want to be the vice-captain of the New Zealand team and the fact that Ross is captain doesn’t change anything… I still wonder whether the team needs a vice-captain but if that is what is determined, then absolutely, because that’s always been the case is that you do whatever is required for the team.”

“Maybe we don’t need a vice-captain. If we’re serious about growing a leadership group within the environment and within the team, then you wonder if there is a natural pathway.”

McCullum also rubbished reports by One News that he was part of a “drinking culture enjoyed by 70 per cent of the team”.

“Not in my opinion. I think it’s a ludicrous allegation,” he said.