Cricket: Vettori, McCullum to miss first ODI

New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori and wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum will miss the first one-day international against India in Guwahati, India, today (NZT).

Selector Mark Greatbatch said Vettori had complained of lower back stiffness during the past week, and that had intensified during preparation for the 50-over series.

McCallum, who suffered a back spasm at the start of the third test against India, still had soreness which needed to clear, Greatbatch added.

"We wanted to give them until this morning to see how they were but it's clear they need a few more days to recover," he said.

"We considered playing Brendon as a batsman only but that could delay his recovery so we took a longer term view. The extra rest gives him a chance of taking the gloves later in the series."

Ross Taylor gets another opportunity to captain the side while Gareth Hopkins will keep.

Black Caps: Jamie How, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor (captain), Kane Williamson, Scott Styris, Grant Elliott, Nathan McCullum, Gareth Hopkins, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey, Andy McKay.

- NZPA