Cricket: McCullum backs Taylor

Brendon McCullum has backed Ross Taylor as the new Black Caps captain. Photo / Getty Images

Brendon McCullum has congratulated Ross Taylor on being named Black Caps captain and has made it clear he'll support him.

McCullum lost out on the role vacated by Daniel Vettori when Taylor was yesterday named as the skipper for the test, one-day and Twenty 20 sides.

McCullum told Radio Sport's Brendan Telfer this morning that he was disappointed but will support Taylor.

"Obviously I was disappointed to miss out on something that I desperately wanted but ultimately you've got to move on and I do wish Ross all the best and I definitely support him along that journey.

"I had my opportunity to to present my case and to show what I thought was the way forward for New Zealand Cricket and ultimately they decided to go another route and you can't argue with that.

"We're good enough mates as well to overcome any differences this process may have thrown up."

McCullum also denied claims by One News last night that he was part of a "drinking culture enjoyed by 70 per cent of the team".

"Not in my opinion," he said. "I think it's a ludicrous allegation."

McCullum says he went through a range of emotions after missing out on the role but is looking forward to playing international cricket for another "five to six" years.

"Inside the first 24 hours when you suffer that disappointment you go through a range of different emotions and different thoughts.It took me about 24 hours for everything to come clear and that I have a huge opportunity to contribute to this team," he said.

"It is still for me about playing for my country. It always has been. There may be a misconception out there that I'm not like that but I'm incredibly passionate about playing for my country and that will never change.

"Whilst I may have opportunities to play elsewhere during my times off, New Zealand cricket is my priority and I'm excited by what the next five years could throw up for me."

McCullum confirmed that he wants the vice captaincy role but questioned the need for one.

"I want to be the vice captain of the New Zealand team and the fact that Ross is captain doesn't change anything... I still wonder whether the team needs a vice captain but if that is what is determined then absolutely, because that's always been the case is that you do whatever is required for the team.

"Maybe we don't need a vice captain. If we're serious about growing a leadership group within the environment and within the team then you wonder if there is a natural pathway."

A vice-captain is unlikely to be named until the Zimbabwe touring squad is announced in October.

Black Caps coach John Wright earlier told Radio Sport that he wants McCullum to take up the role of vice captain.

Wright concedes the leadership debate has probably had an impact on the relationship between McCullum and Taylor and they need to work on it behind closed doors.

"I hope that Brendon will be involved. I want him to stick his hand up and I hope that he wants to consider the role of vice captaincy but that's something a little bit further down the line," he said.

"When you're coaching a cricket team you don't only need a captain but a strong leadership group, and that's really the combination of your senior players.

"We've got to sit down together in a room and sort through those issues with total honesty. And really if you want to be an international cricket team that is winning at the top level you've got to be able to sort those things out - and I'm sure we'll achieve that."

- HERALD ONLINE/NEWSTALK ZB