McCullum, Redmond to share Otago captaincy

Brendon McCullum and Aaron Redmond will share the Otago captaincy this summer, after the long-term skipper Craig Cumming stepped down at the end of last season. McCullum will lead the team in its Twenty20 campaign, while Redmond will take charge in the one-day and four-day competitions.

Otago are confident McCullum will be available for the full HRV Cup campaign, despite him signing with the Brisbane Heat in Australia's Big Bash League. The BBL will start in mid-December and while the HRV Cup dates are yet to be fixed, it is expected to kick off in late December.

"I don't think it will be an issue," the Otago coach Vaughn Johnson told the Otago Daily Times. "Brendon has worked out his timetable along with Otago Cricket and his first priority will be towards Otago cricket. I'm sure that is what will happen."

Johnson said in the longer format, Redmond was the natural successor to Cumming, who will play on after relinquishing the captaincy. However, he said splitting the leadership was the logical move with McCullum available for the T20 tournament.

"I just think it was a no-brainer if you have someone of his quality," Johnson said. "He leads by example."