Brendon McCullum, who hurt his back in the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, is likely to sit out of the third one-day international against Sri Lanka on Thursday, says a report in Hindustantimes. McCullum will retire from international cricket in February.

"He's still pretty sore," coach Mike Hesson said after McCullum skipped training on Wednesday, adding, “"It's unlikely he'll play but he's still a chance."

New Zealand won the first two ODIs with ease, and even though they totally outclassed Sri Lanka, McCullum was injured when he crashed into the fence in a desperate attempt to cut off a boundary.

According to a report in Business Standard, a four to Sri Lanka would hardly have made a difference to the result, but Hesson said not trying would have gone against the team ethos. "We don't do things by halves. We're fully committed in the field. If an injury occurs then so be it," he said.

Kane Williamson, who missed the first two ODIs because of a sore knee, is expected to play Thursday and captain the side if McCullum is unavailable. Hesson said fast bowler Adam Milne, who missed the second game with a troublesome heel, will also play in the next match. Matt Henry, the chief destroyer in the first two ODIs with two four-wicket hauls, has been rested for the third to make way for returning strike bowler Tim Southee but will return to the squad for the final two games.