McCullum to fly home early

Brendon McCullum, New Zealand's wicketkeeper, is to fly home after today's NatWest Series match against West Indies to be with his pregnant wife.

McCullum, 22, played a big part in the three Tests against England, scoring 195 runs in the series. More of a one-day specialist, he was due to play his 50th game today, but after the washout at Old Trafford, this match will be his 49th - if the weather doesn't return to spoil it.

He was originally due to fly back after the match against England at Durham next Tuesday, but, after talks with the team management, the decision was made to return to Christchurch tomorrow. "It's a little bit earlier than expected," he said, "but the birth of my first child's very important to me, and it's important to get home and be with my wife."

His replacement, Gareth Hopkins, 27, is set to make his one-day debut later in the series.