Napier, March 21:

New Zealand suffered a further blow on Friday on the eve of the series-deciding third Test against England when all-rounder Jacob Oram was forced out with a hip injury.

Oram’s withdrawal follows the earlier loss of opening bowler Kyle Mills with a

knee injury, forcing New Zealand to select two debutants — 19-year-old swing bowler Tim Southee and South African-born allrounder Grant Elliot, who will be the first South African to play for New Zealand.

The omission of seamer Mark Gillespie is the only non-injury change to the New Zealand side beaten by 126 runs in the second Test in Wellington on Monday.

England were waiting for the results of a precautionary scan on Paul Colllingwood’s left calf before confirming their squad. If Collingwood is cleared to play, England are expected to field an unchanged side.