31 March,2009 12:18 PM IST | | PTI
New Zealand today included young pacer Tim Southee in their squad for the third and final Test against India starting Friday.
The host bowlers' failure to grab Indian wickets despite having two days at their disposal allowed the visitors to force a draw in the second Test, which the Kiwis initially dominated.
India have a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
New Zealand selection panel head Glenn Turner said the 20-year-old Southee's inclusion would strengthen the Kiwi attack. "Tim's inclusion gives us additional options with the new ball, and strengthens the attack against this strong Indian batting lineup," Turner said in a statement.
Ironically, Southee had been dropped after going for 105 runs in his 10 overs during the third one-dayer against India.
Meanwhile, injured batsman Daniel Flynn has been retained and a final call on whether he would play would be taken before the Test.
Jamie How would continue to be with the squad as Flynn's cover. Turner said all-rounder Jacob Oram was not considered for selection as his Achilles tendon strain has got aggravated.
New Zealand squad: 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.
