McCullum goes home to Otago

Brendon McCullum will return to Otago for the 2007-08 season after ending his four-year stay at Canterbury. McCullum, who was born in Dunedin, played for Otago until the 2003-04 season, when he switched to Canterbury.

New Zealand Cricket-contracted players had until last Friday to nominate their provincial team for 2007-08. However, with McCullum's move back to Otago the side's incumbent wicketkeeper and new national squad member Gareth Hopkins has been given an extra week to decide which team he will play with next year.

"I have really enjoyed my time with the State Canterbury Wizards and the support I have received from Canterbury Cricket, especially Richard Reid and Dave Nosworthy," McCullum said. "I now look forward to returning to play cricket in my home town."

McCullum, who will join his brother Nathan at Otago, will be keen to help his new side enjoy a more consistent summer. In 2006-07, they finished last on the State Championship table but first in the State Shield, losing the final to Auckland. "We're delighted to welcome back an ex-Otago player to the fold, and certainly one with such a high profile as Brendon," the Otago Cricket CEO Ross Dykes said.

Canterbury's season was almost the reverse of Otago's - they were last in the one-day competition and second in the first-class tournament. Reid, the CEO of Canterbury Cricket, said there were no hard feelings upon McCullum's departure. "We wish Brendon all the best as he continues his career back in Otago, and have greatly appreciated his contribution to Canterbury Cricket," Reid said.