3 minute read

New Zealand quick Trent Boult got through a net session seemingly unscathed on Wednesday night to remain a chance of playing the first Test against Australia.

Trent Boult remains a chance of playing in the first Test for New Zealand after getting through a Wednesday night net session seemingly unscathed.

Battling to overcome a side strain to face Australia in the day-night Test in Perth, Boult bowled for around 20 minutes at high intensity in the Optus Stadium nets.

He often troubled Kane Williamson in the high quality pink-ball session, and did not show any real signs of discomfort.

It means the 30-year-old has bowled two days in a row headed into the Test, after being injured in New Zealand's Test win over England last month.

Williamson indicated earlier on Wednesday they would leave a decision on their XI until Thursday.

"You look at it as a longish-term decision in terms of this series," Williamson said.

"He's tracked really nicely, felt pretty good yesterday, so a number of factors in that decision.

"The decision with Trent will be about the role he can play in this game or not."

New Zealand has been boosted by the fitness of Colin de Grandhomme, who has batted and bowled in training despite suffering an abdominal strain last month.

Ross Taylor will also be fit, despite copping a blow on the thumb in training on Tuesday.

Boult's fitness will likely mean rookie speedster Lockie Ferguson will miss out on a debut at the hard and fast Perth wicket.

However the veteran's inclusion will be a huge plus for the Black Caps.

Boult's ability to swing the ball has helped him take 16 wickets in two pink-ball Tests, at an average of 12.50.