New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum to play for Birmingham Bears in T20 Blast

Defending Natwest Twenty20 Blast champions Birmingham Bears have secured the services of New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum for their final seven games of this year's tournament.

The 33-year-old's first game should be against the Lancashire Lightning on June 26 once New Zealand's tour of England has been concluded.

"The Birmingham Bears had a great season last year, including winning the NatWest T20 Blast, and hopefully I can make a big contribution and ensure that we can progress in the tournament," said McCullum.

"Edgbaston is a fantastic ground to play at and hopefully it will be rocking for the big Friday night matches. I'm really excited about becoming a Bear and the challenge ahead."

The batsman was recently named captain of the ICC Cricket World Cup Team of the Tournament after leading the Black Caps to the final.