McCullum Kiwi vice-captain for Proteas tour

JOHANNESBURG: New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum has been named the vice-captain for New Zealand's cricket tour of South Africa, the squad's general manager Lindsay Crocker announced.

New Zealand had not named a deputy for the newly appointed captain Daniel Vettori, who took over the reins from long-time skipper Stephen Fleming last month, when they flew to South Africa. But McCullum was considered to be in the core group of the 15-man squad.

McCullum had displayed 'leadership qualities' on and off the field during New Zealand's ongoing tour match against a South African Invitational XI at Bloemfontein, explained Crocker, adding that the role was only for this tour and would be reviewed on a series-by-series basis.

"He gets around the other players and keeps them involved with what's happening. He was an obvious candidate for the role," said Crocker.