Former Kiwi batsman Brendon McCullum named Middlesex T20 blast captain

One of the most influential captains of the New Zealand, Brendon McCullum is all set to captain the T20 side of Middlesex. He will reunite with his Kiwi colleague Daniel Vettori is currently coaching the side on a three-year deal. Interestingly, Vettori is also the coach of McCullum’s Big Bash league side Brisbane Heat.

McCullum has played all around the world for various leagues. In 267 Twenty20 matches, he has accumulated over 7300 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 138.

Another ex-Black Caps teammate of McCullum, James Franklin will continue to lead the side in the County Championship and the One Day Cup. Franklin, in an interview with BBC radio, was enthusiastic about the return of the explosive opener after his tenure last year.

James Franklin was one of the most eminent all-rounders present in world cricket. He has played over 110 ODIs for the Black Caps, scoring 1280 useful runs down the order and picked up 81 wickets at an average of 41.41.

Franklin stated, “It’s a very exciting time for the club, getting Brendon back again after his stint with us last year”.  McCullum amassed 132 runs in the six T20 blast games for Middlesex last season.

An optimistic Franklin believed that association with the two Kiwi giants is a testimony to the progressive culture inherited within the club.

“He’s one of the best captains in world cricket of the modern age so it’s going to be exciting for players to work with him. And Dan being on board as the Twenty20 coach, I think it shows how progressive the club are looking at things. To be able to get a coach of his caliber is hugely exciting.”

Middlesex would be looking forward towards the services in the top of the order and dominate the tournament by psychologically blunting the opposition through the fireworks of Baz.