Wellington, Jan 29 NZPA - Ross Taylor will step up as captain should Daniel Vettori be unable to lead the New Zealand cricket team during the upcoming series against Bangladesh and Australia, NZ Cricket (NZC) said today.

It hasn't named Taylor as a vice-captain, but said that he is a "stand-by" captain.

The move would provide Taylor with an opportunity to develop as a potential leader, NZC general manager of cricket Geoff Allott said.

"The Black Caps have deliberately not named a vice-captain in recent times as we wish to allow development of a broader leadership group.

"We are fortunate to currently have two outstanding individuals in Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum, who could both assume the captaincy in the event Daniel Vettori were not available.

"We see real qualities in both of these players and will be giving both of them further opportunities to develop their leadership in forthcoming series.

"Brendon has recently fulfilled the role of stand-by captain, and Ross now gets his opportunity this summer.

"Both players have offered on-field support and assistance to Dan during recent tours and it is anticipated that this will continue".

The NZ team will assemble in Hamilton from Sunday in preparation for the Bangladesh series, which starts with a Twenty20 match at Seddon Park on Wednesday.