<p>New Zealand’s Test series against West Indies could define captain Brendon McCullum’s future with the aggressive batsman battling a chronic back injury and reports suggesting he is contemplating retirement. <br /><br /></p>.<p>The 32-year-old McCullum returned home early from the tour of Bangladesh to receive treatment on his back, which has bothered him for more than two years. <br /><br />The Dominion Post reported earlier this week that McCullum had two protruding discs in his back and was suffering from arthritis and taking painkillers to get through games. <br /><br />The first match of the three-Test series on his home ground at University Oval in Dunedin begins on Tuesday and will be his 80th Test since he made his debut against South Africa in 2004. <br /><br />Apart from the physical discomforts McCullum faces, the series should define his first year in charge of the team and whether they have moved forward under his leadership.<br /> <br />He was promoted to the captaincy late last year when coach Mike Hesson replaced Ross Taylor, which resulted in a highly embarrassing public relations crisis for New Zealand Cricket. <br /><br />The former wicketkeeper impressed with his aggressive and inventive tactics against England at home earlier this year and resolute batting that solidified the lower-middle order as the side came within one wicket of sealing a series-clinching victory in the third Test at den Park. New Zealand, however, have failed to win a Test under McCullum.</p>
<p>New Zealand’s Test series against West Indies could define captain Brendon McCullum’s future with the aggressive batsman battling a chronic back injury and reports suggesting he is contemplating retirement. <br /><br /></p>.<p>The 32-year-old McCullum returned home early from the tour of Bangladesh to receive treatment on his back, which has bothered him for more than two years. <br /><br />The Dominion Post reported earlier this week that McCullum had two protruding discs in his back and was suffering from arthritis and taking painkillers to get through games. <br /><br />The first match of the three-Test series on his home ground at University Oval in Dunedin begins on Tuesday and will be his 80th Test since he made his debut against South Africa in 2004. <br /><br />Apart from the physical discomforts McCullum faces, the series should define his first year in charge of the team and whether they have moved forward under his leadership.<br /> <br />He was promoted to the captaincy late last year when coach Mike Hesson replaced Ross Taylor, which resulted in a highly embarrassing public relations crisis for New Zealand Cricket. <br /><br />The former wicketkeeper impressed with his aggressive and inventive tactics against England at home earlier this year and resolute batting that solidified the lower-middle order as the side came within one wicket of sealing a series-clinching victory in the third Test at den Park. New Zealand, however, have failed to win a Test under McCullum.</p>