Tim Southee primed for ODI return

Tim Southee, the New Zealand fast bowler, has been tipped for his one-day international return in the coming week. Southee got a look-in for the limited-overs fixtures against Pakistan in the UAE to make up for the absence of an injured Daryl Tuffey, and his captain has strongly indicated he will feature in the first game of the series.

"Everyone recognises he has wonderful ability and he has bowled really well in training so far," said Daniel Vettori before New Zealand left Dubai for Abu Dhabi. "By all accounts he bowled really well on the A tour [to India in August] and he will probably get an opportunity first up to prove that form.

"We are hoping that he can cement his place because I think when we first saw him in the New Zealand team [against England at home in early 2008] we saw what a really good and exciting bowler he can be."

Southee, 20, last played an ODI at home against India in March. Kyle Mills did not train with the side due to a sore shoulder but is expected to be available for selection, which means Shane Bond and Southee should slot in as the fast-bowling quotient.