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The 26-year-old has forged a reputation as a hard-hitting specialist in the lower order, but Vettori believes it is time to give McCullum more responsibility among the top six.

He said: "The main reason we did it is how he responded to opening in the one-dayers. He seemed to thrive on it and enjoy the responsibility.

"We have to acknowledge he is one of our best batsmen and if he is down at seven, manipulating strike with the tail-end, it is hard for him to maximise potential.

"If you see him play and his talent, we think he can do it. He's been given the opportunity, so hopefully he will take it."