By David DiSomma
A change in coach will see a change in the BlackCaps batting order for their test series against India.
The first test is only days away, and it appears Brendon McCullum will return to the scene of his best-ever test innings as an opener.
As the Indian cricket team arrived for the first test against the BlackCaps starting Thursday, it appears that Brendon McCullum will no longer bat at three, but will move up the order to open with Martin Guptill.
He'll have good memories of Hyderabad – the last time he played there, two years ago, he hit a career best 225.
The move to his favoured opening position coincides with his good friend and former Otago provincial coach Mike Hesson taking over as the new BlackCaps coach.
India meanwhile will be without veteran middle order batsman VVS Laxman. He has suddenly retired after a 16-year test career.
"I think the time is right for a younger player to get an opportunity at home before tours overseas next year," says Laxman.
While the BlackCaps are eighth in the test rankings and India fourth, at Lord's the world's number one ranking is up for grabs, with South Africa in charge against England thanks to Hashim Amla, who hit his 16th test century.
Set a record 346 to square the series and keep their world number one ranking, England's run chase started disastrously.
Captain Andrew Strauss's dismissal compounded a bad week, following revelations team-mate Kevin Pietersen texted members of the Proteas, describing him in a most derogatory manner.
England responded by dropping him for the test, only for Pietersen to be dismissed first ball playing for Surrey against Hampshire.
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