It has yet to be confirmed whether Southee will bowl in the second innings

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

New Zealand were dealt a major blow on the second day of the first Test against Australia in Brisbane as pace bowler Tim Southee suffered a back injury in the morning session.

Southee had undergone scans overnight, but still took the field on the second day and bowled the first over of the day. He proceeded to bowl a four-over spell before returning for a second spell, which only lasted one over as he pulled up once during his run-up before he grimaced after he bowling the final ball of the over.

New Zealand confirmed that Southee has been diagnosed with a irritated lower disc in his back, but did not say whether he would be able to bowl in the second innings.

Australia declared on 556/4 in the first innings and Southee finished with one wicket from his 24 overs, which was of opener Joe Burns, who was caught behind for a career-best 71.