11 Sep 2015

Perjury trial won't affect McCullum's Australian tour

5:01 pm on 11 September 2015

The Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum's preparation for the upcoming Australia tour won't be affected by having to appear as a witness in former team-mate Chris Cairns' perjury trial, says coach Mike Hesson.

Cairns has pleaded not guilty to the charge stemming from a 2012 libel trial in Britain over alleged match-fixing, with the trial due to start in London on October 5th and expected to last four weeks.

The Black Caps play a three-Test series against Australia in November with Hesson having named the touring squad on Friday.

Hesson said he's had a conversation with McCullum about the trial and what it means for his preparations.

New Zealand cricket captain Brendon McCullum (right) and his England counterpart Alastair Cook share the spoils.

New Zealand cricket captain Brendon McCullum (right) and his England counterpart Alastair Cook share the spoils on the Black Caps recent tour of England. Photo: Photosport

"Brendon will be back (from London) in time for us to leave for Australia and he will be part of our preparations leading up to then as well," said Hesson.

"He's off to England in a day or so to play a game over there along with a few of our other players so he's been playing and training and will be good to go."

Black Caps coach Mike Hesson.

Black Caps coach Mike Hesson. Photo: RNZ/Stephen Hewson

A 15-strong squad for the Tests in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide were named, with the notable inclusion being two all-rounders in Corey Anderson and James Neesham.

There was no room for Otago pace bowler Neil Wagner, with Central Districts' Doug Bracewell picked ahead of him.

Fast bowler Adam Milne wasn't picked as he is still recovering from injury and has had little cricket.

Hesson rates the upcoming tour as the biggest test of his coaching career.

"History suggests Australia is a very tough place to go and win. No matter what side gets put out for Australia it's tough. They know their conditions extremely well. We know we are playing good cricket, we've got a good squad but it's a big challenge for us."