New Zealand suffered a blow ahead of the series-deciding third Test with England after leading wicket-taker Kyle Mills was ruled out through injury.

The 29-year-old seamer has failed to shrug off a niggling knee injury.

Despite his injury he took 10 wickets in the opening two Tests but has since complained of more soreness.

Uncapped swing bowler Tim Southee, 19, could make his debut in the Test at McLean Park, Napier, which starts at 9.30pm GMT on Friday.

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Mills said: "This is just in the back of the knee. It all started in the Twenty20 game at Eden Park, the sand based outfield is very soft. I just dove into it and jammed up really. Ever since then it's been niggling me ever since."

New Zealand, who are likely to recall off-spinner Jeetan Patel after he was overlooked in Wellington, must now choose between Mark Gillespie and Southee for the final place in their line-up.

Gillespie, preferred to Patel at the Basin Reserve, justified his selection by claiming six wickets in the match but was also expensive and could come under pressure from the highly-rated Southee.

Meanwhile, England's James Anderson has declared himself fit after he twisted his ankle playing soccer as part of a warm-down during the second Test.

Anderson, who took five wickets in New Zealand's first innings in Wellington, is still in discomfort but said it would not prevent him playing in the deciding match with the series level at 1-1.

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