AUS vs NZ, 1st Test: Trent Boult Likely To Miss Out Due To Side Injury

If Boult fails to recover in time, gun-quick Lockie Ferguson is likely to make his Test debut

Ahead of the day-night Test against Australia at Perth, New Zealand are dealing with a major concern, i.e., Trent Boult’s fitness. The left-arm pacer is struggling with a side injury while skipper Kane Williamson is willing to give the pace spearhead every chance to get back to the mix before the match begins on Thursday. The pink-ball Test at the Perth Stadium will suit Boult's swing bowling and the ace fast bowler is a key weapon in Kiwis' armoury. But his fitness issue is keeping the visitors on their toes. “We’re going to have another look at (Boult) today before deciding anything tomorrow,” Williamson was quoted as saying by www.stuff.co.nz on Wednesday. “You look at it long-ish term, in terms of this whole series. He has tracked really nicely and felt good yesterday, so there's a number of factors in that decision,” he added. If Boult fails to recover in time, gun-quick Lockie Ferguson is likely to make his Test debut. “It is different cricket here and that's why you need to adapt as quickly as possible. It can be hard to dismiss certain players but trying to play the long game and stay in the fight for long periods is important,” Williamson said. On the other hand, Australia will field the same XI, for the third Test in a row.  Australia captain Tim Paine confirmed on Wednesday that the playing XI, which featured in the demolition of Pakistan in the two-match Test series, will also play against the Black Caps in Perth.