New Zealand add Southee for third India Test

New Zealand have added young pace bowler Tim Southee to their squad for the third Test against India starting here on Friday.

"Tim's inclusion gives us additional options with the new ball, and strengthens the attack against this strong Indian batting lineup," selection panel head Glenn Turner said Tuesday.

With the exception of the first innings of the drawn second Test, New Zealand's attack has struggled to contain the star-studded Indian batting lineup.

India hold a 1-0 lead going into the final Test of the series.

Southee, who was dropped after being hammered for figures of 0-105 from 10 overs in the third one-dayer against India, has since shown good form in domestic cricket.

Batsman Daniel Flynn is likely to return as he recovers from a hand injury which ruled him out of the drawn second Test.

A final decision on whether he will play will be made before the start of the Test and until then Jamie How will remain with the squad as cover.

Injury-prone allrounder Jacob Oram was not considered after aggravating an Achilles tendon strain playing in domestic cricket.

Bowler Brent Arnel also missed out after not been able to prove his fitness.

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.