Southee added to squad for third Test

BLACKCAPS add Southee to squad for third Test

New Zealand Cricket has announced a squad of 13 for the third Test starting in Wellington on Friday, with bowler Tim Southee making a return to the BLACKCAPS squad.

The Test squad is:

Daniel Vettori (captain)
Daniel Flynn
James Franklin
Martin Guptill
Brendon McCullum
Tim McIntosh
Chris Martin
Kyle Mills
Iain O’Brien
Jeetan Patel
Jesse Ryder
Tim Southee
Ross Taylor

Head of the selection panel Glenn Turner said Southee had been brought back in to the squad after good bowling perfomances in recent State Championship games, including a five-wicket bag against Canterbury. "Tim's inclusion gives us additional options with the new ball, and strengthens the attack against this strong Indian batting lineup."

Daniel Flynn was recovering well from a hand injury sustained in the first Test, and was expected to be fit for Wellington, Turner said. However this would be confirmed after fitness assessment prior to the test, and in the interim Jamie How would remain with the squad as cover.

Brent Arnel had not been able to prove his fitness and therefore was not considered for selection. Jacob Oram was also not considered for the Test as he continues to recover from injury.

The third Test in the National Bank Series between New Zealand and India will be played from Friday 3 April to Tuesday 7 April, at Allied Nationwide Finance Basin Reserve, Wellington.