McCullum and Vettori have played more than 400 one-day internationals

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori and wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum will miss August's one-day international tri-series against Sri Lanka and India.

Left-arm spinner Vettori is awaiting the birth of his second child, while McCullum, who has said he is hanging up his gloves at Test level, is rested.

McCullum, 28, hopes the decision will help prolong his one-day career.

Ross Taylor leads the squad which sees the return of all-rounder Grant Elliot for the seven-game series in Sri Lanka.

With the World Cup taking place early next year in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, New Zealand coach Mark Greatbatch feels the timing is right for Taylor to sharpen his leadership skills.

"With Daniel not touring Sri Lanka, it provides an opportunity for Ross to further develop his captaincy skills," said Greatbatch.

"Ross was vice-captain for a portion of last season and did a great job leading New Zealand to victory against Australia in Napier earlier in the year when Daniel was injured."

McCullum, who is also expecting the birth of his second child, says he sought a lot of advice before making his decision to quit wicketkeeping in the longer form of the game, though he stresses he will continue to seek selection as a Test batsman.

"I have talked to a lot of people about how they went about extending their international careers, including some prominent former and current wicketkeepers," he said.

"I am passionate about playing for the Black Caps and by limiting my keeping to the shorter forms of the game it increases my chances of prolonging my career."

Greatbatch added: "I know he has had trouble with injuries that are related to keeping, and therefore understand his decision to stop keeping in Test cricket.

"But Brendon clearly understands he will only be considered as a Test batsman on his long-form batting performances."

New Zealand squad: R Taylor (capt), G Elliot, M Guptill, G Hopkins, N McCullum, A McKay, K Mills, J Oram, J Patel, J Ryder, T Southee, S Styris, D Tuffey, BJ Watling, K Williamson.

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