A hint of what might be a more permanent future as Otago's wicket-keeper has been offered with Brendon McCullum's selection in the role for the opening State Championship match against Central Districts in Wanganui on Saturday.

McCullum will not be required to don the batting pads immediately after 'keeping as he is to bat in the middle-order.

That was where McCullum was at his most effective in the season that signalled his prospects as a potentially outstanding performer when he dominated the New Zealand Under-19 side in its Test series with South Africa two summers ago.

A knee injury prevented him filling that role last summer and he concentrated on opening the batting.

However, in naming the Otago squad yesterday, coach Glenn Turner said McCullum would bat in the middle-order.

Craig Cumming is to captain the side this year and included among his charges will be another former Canterbury player, like himself, in Marcel McKenzie. Other newcomers are Pakistan international Mohammad Wasim, and Dunedin club players Anthony Wilkinson and Daryll Reddington.

The full side is:

Craig Cumming (captain), Chris Gaffaney, Robbie Lawson, Brendon McCullum, Marcel McKenzie, James McMillan, Nathan Morland, Daryll Reddington, Jordan Sheed, Kerry Walmsley, Mohammad Wasim, Anthony Wilkinson.

Wilkinson, the Northeast Valley senior captain, played one State Shield match for Otago last summer scoring 14 runs and bowling his 10 overs for 38 runs. He also appeared for the Otago A in the annual second XI competition.

Thirty-year-old Reddington will be the side's first change seamer. An inswing bowler, he had a fine club season last year taking 41 wickets at 11.80 and bowled well in the games in Rangiora early in the month.

Martyn Croy and David Sewell were unavailable due to work commitments while injured players not considered were, Jeff Wilson, Shayne O'Connor and Warren McSkimming.

There had been no temptation to use Wilson as a batsman only as it was felt he would be best to recover fully from the intercostal muscle injury he has suffered.

© CricInfo