Mills and Oram, arguably New Zealand's two best bowlers in the series, were ruled out of the match at Napier's McLean Park with calf and hip injuries respectively.

Teenage pace bowler Tim Southee was drafted in to replace Mills, while all-rounder Grant Elliott comes in for Oram. Both will make their debuts in the deciding match starting on Saturday.  "I don't think you can say that," Vettori szid on Friday when asked if his side were now underdogs. "We won't be conceding any tag. "We are going out there to play the game. We're not playing for a draw, we're trying to win."

Vettori, however, did concede the batter-friendly pitch at Napier would be tough on Elliott and Southee. "It'll be tough on them making their debuts on a wicket that won't help them. "But we have all acknowledged they have some talent and were the next in line. It's just an opportunity for them to step up and show what they're worth.
England captain Michael Vaughan said his side would be aiming to pressure Elliott and Southee. "They will no doubt be nervous, but we will respect them. If there is an opportunity to get on top of any bowler we will take that," said Vaughan. "We always try to start the game very well and get ahead on day one.“

England have two injury concerns with Paul Collingwood undergoing treatment on a calf problem and James Anderson struggling with a twisted ankle.

Anderson suffered the injury playing soccer during the victory in Wellington. If both players are passed fit England are likely to play the same eleven that won the second Test by 126 runs.

Squads: England (probable): Michael Vaughan (captain), Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Tim Ambrose, Stuart Broad, Ryan Sidebottom, James Anderson, Monty Panesar.

New Zealand: Daniel Vettori (captain), Jamie How, Matthew Bell, Stephen Fleming, Ross Taylor, Mathew Sinclair, Brendon McCullum, Grant Elliott, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel, Chris Martin.