BRENDON McCullum will make his debut for Birmingham Bears in the T20 Blast away to Lancashire Lightning tonight – thereby giving Bears captain Varun Chopra a problem.

The big-hitting New Zealander has arrived at Birmingham renowned as one of the most explosive T20 batsmen in the format’s short history and will pose a real threat to Lancashire.

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The 33-year-old’s four sixes struck against England on Tuesday night, at Old Trafford, meant that, in all, he has cleared the ropes an astounding 273 times in T20 cricket, out of the total of 6,041 runs, including six centuries, he has amassed in the format at a phenomenal scoring-rate of 135.53.

Tonight, in a re-run of last season’s final, McCullum will start his seven-match stint for Birmingham in the North Group meaning Chopra, whose side have started with five wins from seven games, has a selection dilemma.

“It is a nice problem to have,” the Chopra said. “It is great for us to have Brendon on board with everything that he brings as a cricketer and a person. I am sure there is lots we can all learn from him and the way he goes about things.

“We are all looking forward to playing alongside him but, to be fair to the guys, they done really well so far without him. I am very happy with five wins banked out of the first seven games so Brendon is joining an already strong team which is very pleasing.”

Tonight’s match starts at 6.30pm.