Mills in for Patel

New Zealand have recalled Kyle Mills into their side for the third and final Test against South Africa. In a must-win situation after losing the first Test at Centurion, New Zealand will be hoping that Mills's presence beefs up the bowling attack in conditions expected to suit the seamers. Mills will replace Jeetan Patel, who performed creditably on debut on a flat batting pitch at Cape Town, taking 3 for 117 from 42 overs, but will miss out as the pitch at Johannesburg is likely to contain some moisture and assist fast bowling.

The rest of the team is expected to be the same, unless Peter Fulton pulls out due to a back injury. Fulton has had a sore back since the second Test, and might make way for Jamie How, who has been included in the XII as cover for Fulton. Hamish Marshall will miss out again as he hasn't yet recovered from a rib injury he sustained in the first Test.

New Zealand were demolished by 128 runs in a low-scoring first Test at Centurion, while the second match ended in a high-scoring draw. Pitch preparations have been hampered by the cold conditions and lack of sunlight as the South African winter draws nearer, but Chris Scott, the curator at Johannesburg, has indicated that he is attempting to prepare a pitch which will be in between what was on offer in the first two Tests.