Cricket: Southee called into Black Caps

Tim Southee is replacing the injured Shane Bond. Photo / Getty images

Northern Districts pace bowler Tim Southee has been brought in to the New Zealand cricket squad for the second test against Pakistan.

He will replace the injured Shane Bond, after an abdominal injury yesterday ruled him out of the series.

Southee played for New Zealand in the limited overs series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

His last test match was against India at Wellington in April.

Southee and Daryl Tuffey are in contention for the third seamer role in the Wellington test, starting at the Basin Reserve tomorrow.

Southee will join the side this morning.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed he had been cleared to play after a one-match suspension for an incident in a Plunket Shield match for the Northern Knights last week.

Southee was reported for unacceptable behaviour after using inappropriate language when Wellington was batting.

NZC had initially lodged an appeal against the one-match suspension, but withdrew it yesterday after receiving further evidence about the incident from players on both sides.

That evidence indicated Southee's remarks were not directed at a player, which could have been grounds for a longer suspension.

Southee has acknowledged his behaviour was inappropriate and has accepted responsibility.

He resulted in him missing a district association match for Northland last weekend.

- NZPA