Brownlie and Flynn join Test squad

Daniel Flynn is likely to play for New Zealand for the first time in more than two years after being called up for the third Test against South Africa. The batsman Dean Brownlie has also been named in a 14-man squad for the match, starting in Wellington on Friday, after missing the first two Tests due to a broken finger.

The opener Rob Nicol has been dropped after scores of 6, 19, 2 and 1 in his first two Tests, and the fast bowler Brent Arnel has also been squeezed out after failing to take a wicket in the defeat in Hamilton. Flynn is set to open the bating alongside Martin Guptill, while Brownlie, who was the leading scorer on the tour of Australia earlier this summer, will only slot back in to the middle order if the selectors are happy with his progress in a Plunket Shield match this week.

Flynn, 26, last played for New Zealand in their home Test series against Pakistan in December 2009, when he was batting in the middle order. Although he has been batting at No.5 in the Plunket Shield this season the selectors have been impressed with his form - he has scored centuries in his past two games and has averaged 65.85 - and are prepared to throw him in at the top of the order.

"Daniel Flynn is having a very successful Plunket Shield with the bat for Northern and is likely to join Martin Guptill at the top of the order," the national selection manager Kim Littlejohn said. "He was part of the team in late 2009 and we are sure he will make the most of his opportunity to again represent his country.

"We are mindful that Dean Brownlie is only just making a return to competitive cricket following injury and will keep a close eye on his progress. Although he has been included in the squad, his selection for the Test will largely depend on how he pulls through the match for Canterbury.

"It's disappointing for Rob and Brent but at this stage we do not feel they have managed to cement their place in the squad. Both players will benefit from a return to domestic cricket where they can put performances on the board. We are sure they will do this and will be very much in contention for selection on the upcoming tour to the West Indies."