Tim Southee back problem a concern for New Zealand
Saturday 7 November 2015 11:56, UK
New Zealand could be without Tim Southee for the remainder of the Test series against Australia after the fast bowler was injured during the first Test in Brisbane.
The 26-year-old is struggling with a back injury and underwent scans after the opening day of the first of three Tests.
Southee then pulled up twice on his run-in on the second day at the Gabba on Friday before being helped from the pitch midway through the morning session.
New Zealand Cricket tweeted that Southee had an irritated disc in his back and fast bowler Neil Wagner has been brought into the squad as precautionary cover for next week's second Test in Perth.
"Tim will continue to be monitored and assessed over the coming days, but it's important we have all of our bases covered," said New Zealand coach Mike Hesson.
"Bringing Neil into the squad as cover assures us of that."
Southee took one of the two wickets to fall on the opening day of the match and had figures of 1-70 as Australia declared on 556-4 before New Zealand struggled with the bat.
Doug Bracewell was selected as the third seamer for the opening Test ahead of 23-year-old fast bowler Matt Henry, who has taken eight wickets in two Tests.
South African-born left-armer Wagner has taken 58 wickets in 16 Tests at an average of 34.48.
Watch highlights of day two at 11.30am, 2pm and 5pm on Sky Sports 2. Our live coverage of day three begins at midnight on Sky Sports 1.
