McCullum can spark heat: Vettori

Brisbane Heat coach Daniel Vettori believes the return of his former Kiwi Test teammate Brendon McCullum can help take the franchise back to the Big Bash League finals for the first time since 2013.

Having recovered from back surgery in February and after missing all of last season's tournament due to international duties, McCullum will captain the Heat in their BBL opener away to the Adelaide Strikers on Wednesday night.

"The guys are pretty excited to have him around. He's one of the premier cricketers around the world, not only with his batting but his leadership," Vettori said on Monday.