Black Caps Optimistic McCullum Will Be Back For Third ODI

The Black Caps are optimistic they will have their captain for the third one-day international against Sri Lanka.

Brendon McCullum left the field early in the second ODI in Christchurch after catapulting himself into the advertising boards while fielding.

He didn't open the batting and coach Mike Hesson says his back injury flared up.

"I'll get a stiff back just before the game started, but obviously diving for that one just stirred it up so it's a disk issue."

Hesson says they'll monitor him over the next couple of days.

"It's one of those injuries that are generally 24 to 48 hours so he'll be coming to Nelson with us, we'll have cover with us also. We're hopeful that he'll be able to take a part in Nelson."

The third ODI is in Nelson on New Year's eve.

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