“He’s certainly an option for the Test”

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New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson has revealed that left-arm pace bowler Trent Boult will be required to prove that he is fully fit prior to the third Test against Australia in Adelaide.

Boult is currently suffering from an irritated disc in his back and did not bowl a single over in the two-day practice game against a Western Australia XI in Perth over the weekend.

Should he want to participate in the first-ever day-night Test, which starts on Friday, Boult will have to be able to bowl at full pace without showing any signs of pain.

“We’ll have to see how he travels to Adelaide but he’s certainly an option for the Test,” Hesson said. “We’ve got a plan and he’s got to bowl flat out two days out from the Test (Wednesday). If he’s able to get through that he’ll be considered for the Test.”

Boult suffered a stress-related injury to his back earlier this year, but Hesson is hoping that the 26-year-old will be able to pull through for the third Test.

“I guess when you come back from a back injury there’s an element of confidence and also being able to know when you can push through and when you can’t,” Hesson said. “He’s in good hands with the physio. He’s an outstanding physio so I’m sure we’ll know more when we get to Adelaide.”

Australia hold on to a 1-0 lead heading into the third Test as they demolished New Zealand by 208 runs in the first Test in Brisbane.