McCullum hoping to end batting slump in ODIs against Bangladesh

Wellington: New Zealand captain Brendan McCullum is reportedly hoping to end his batting slump in the `tricky` three-match one-day series against Bangladesh, starting in Dhaka from Tuesday.

McCullum`s struggles for form date back to the tour of England in May-June since which he has averaged 12 from seven Test innings, and 19 from five ODI innings. According to Stuff.co.nz, McCullum admitted that he is not very happy with his batting form as he did not make any significant contribution in the recent Test series against Bangladesh, adding that the ODI series is a good opportunity for him to make some of those contributions. McCullum, who will reclaim the wicketkeeping gloves after Luke Ronchi was unwanted for this segment of the tour, further said that it is always easier for a captain to lead his team when his own performance is strong. The report mentioned that McCullum will see out the three ODIs and one T20 international in Bangladesh then miss the limited overs tour to Sri Lanka , along with Ross Taylor and Tim Southee. Although New Zealand know the pitfalls of being off their game in Bangladesh after they lost 4-0 in the 2010 ODI series, McCullum said that it was a vastly different ODI team from 2010 and they were better prepared this time against the home side`s slow bowlers with strong left-handed batters in their lineup.