Seam bowler Singh heard news of his inclusion in the squad for the game in Hamilton, starting on Saturday, as he celebrated his 29th birthday on New Year's Day.

It came just 24 hours after he was told he would not be neede for the one-day internationals which follow the Test series.

Singh replaces off-spinner Harbhajan Singh for a match they must win to square the series, following New Zealand's victory in the second Test at Wellington.

Indian skipper Mohammed Azharuddin is looking for a big improvement in their bowling and fielding and the wicket is expected to provide pace and movement.

"If we get things together here, I think we can look forward to a promising 1999. I think confidence-wise, individuals might be a bit low, but mentally everybody realises that we've got to be together and try to win this Test match," he said.

Roger Twose: Back in New Zealand's middle order

The tourists dropped seven catches during the second Test but coach Anshuman Gaekwad insisted: "We are not that bad a fielding side."

He added: "From the time I took over the boys have fielded brilliantly at times, like any other international side."

India are also expected to make a change to their batting line-up with Venkat Laxman replacing Navjot Sidhu as Ajay Jadeja's opening partner.

New Zealand have called up Roger Twose to replace Nathan Astle, whose left hand is fractured, and may boost their seam bowling attack by including Geoff Allott.

"We are one up and only need to draw to win the series, but our aim is to win again and we will play positively to achieve it," promised captain Stephen Fleming.

New Zealand (from): Matthew Horne, Matthew Bell, Stephen Fleming (capt), Roger Twose, Craig McMillan, Adam Parore (wkt), Chris Cairns, Dion Nash, Daniel Vettori, Simon Doull, Paul Wiseman, Geoff Allott.