Trent Boult remains in doubt for Thursday’s first Test against Australia as the New Zealand quick battles to overcome a side strain.
Black Caps officials were on Monday remaining hopeful the left-armer would pass a fitness test later in the week in Perth.
New Zealand had their first hit out at Optus Stadium on Monday night, and while Boult completed light warm-up duties he did not bowl given he only arrived on Sunday.
“He’s here which is a good start. He will be assessed over the next couple of days over how his fitness pulls up,” fellow quick Tim Southee said.
“He’s here and if he can get through the next couple of days I don’t see why he wouldn’t play.
“He is an experienced guy and if he’s good to go, he’s good to go.”
Boult, who was injured in New Zealand’s Test win over England a fortnight ago, was forced to pass a fitness test last Friday to prove he could fly to Australia.
Allrounder Colin de Grandhomme is in a similar position, after also tearing his abdominal in the same Test win over England.
But it is Boult whose fitness will attract the most attention.
The left-armer has taken two five-wicket hauls in his two pink-ball Test matches, his 16 wickets coming at just 12.50.
The 29-year-old could pose a specific threat to Australia’s two premier batsmen in Steve Smith and David Warner.
His natural angle from over the wicket and swinging of the ball away from the left-hander has previously troubled Warner, while he has also picked up Smith’s wicket four times.
“He is a very good bowler,” Smith said.
“Good skills, left arm bowler that can swing the ball back (into the right-hander). Anyone that does that at pretty good pace – it’s something you don’t see a lot of.
“He has terrific skills. A great record. I know he has got a bit of a side strain or something.
“He is maybe a little bit undone but, no doubt, if he plays, we will have to very watchful, he is a very good bowler.”
Targa
Roar Rookie
He can hit 155
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
I like Henry as well Paul. He had a great season in Kent year before last but has always been behind the other quicks here, despite being a little nippier. Dead-set seamer. He might be quite good on a Perth wicket. Ferguson has really come on over the last season or two as well and would deserve his chance; he's not super quick, probably averaging a tick over 140ish but he gets the odd one thru at 150+. Where Lockie has improved is line and length at pace.
Paul
Roar Guru
I gather from the commentary Mitchell played a lot of grade cricket in Perth so would understand the bounce, etc. He certainly looked very comfortable playing off the back foot in his First Test. I don't know why, but I like Matt Henry as a bowler. That said, do the Black Caps sacrifice some variety by bringing him in, given his Test match experience?
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Spot on Paul. I've already been taken to task on these pages for suggesting lovely Trenty sits this one out so the rest of the series is a lock. Let him have a bit more recovery unless he passes fully fit. No need to rush ANY fast bowler back, especially after a side-strain. Will they debut Ferguson? Or was the Test in Hamilton the clue; Matt Henry. Will be interested to see who they replace de GrandDesigns with if that's necessary. I would suggest they need another all rounder and Mitchell may get the nod.
Paul
Roar Guru
Ask the Poms what happens when you take a bowler who's not close to 100% right into a Test. Anderson only getting through 4 overs certainly helped Australia mightily in that First Ashes Test and the same could apply here, if Boult isn't up to it, but still plays.