WELLINGTON, Oct 20: New Zealand coach John Bracewell has said that wicket-keeper/batsman Gareth Hopkins could play as a specialist batsman in the middle order in the one-day team, following the early retirement of Craig McMillan.

With New Zealand set to tour South Africa later this month, Bracewell said that Brendon McCullum would continue as the team’s first-choice wicket-keeper.

“We’ve got better resources to cover death batting and finishers than we have to cover openers,” Bracewell told The Press. “There is the opportunity for a finisher like Gareth Hopkins to come in as a specialist there.”

McCullum was promoted as an opener after former captain and regular opener Stephen Fleming quit one-dayers after the World Cup. McCullum partnered Lou Vincent during the ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa and earned praise from Bracewell for his abilities as a wicket-keeper.

Hopkins, who has played five ODIs for New Zealand, was part of the squad in South Africa but didn’t get a game.

“Brendon will keep the gloves as he is far and away our best keeper,” Bracewell said. “Technically I think he is the best keeper in the world – he now needs to become the best keeper/batsman in the world.”

Commenting on McMillian’s sudden retirement, Bracewell said it was unfortunate he chose to quit, though at the same time respected the decision.

“He was batting so well. He was hitting the ball hard down the ground, rotating the strike and had a good attitude to where he was going with his cricket. He had found quite a good balance. He’s made the choice for the right reason and we will miss him.”—Agencies