Adelaide: Tim Southee says there is enough fast-bowling talent in New Zealand's squad to combat Australia's batsmen even if strike bowler Trent Boult fails to overcome a back ailment.
Boult has been set a deadline of Wednesday by Black Caps coach Mike Hesson to bowl "flat-out" at training in order to be considered for the series-ending Test at Adelaide Oval.
The left-armer did not play in New Zealand's weekend practice match due to what Hesson described as "a disc irritation".
Australia opener David Warner said he felt Boult had not been at his best during the series, but had seen signs in the previous Test in Perth that he was returning to his peak.
"He put the ball in the right areas, questioned me the whole time then nicked me off. I've got to work out how can I not allow him to do that again," Warner said.
"I've watched a lot of footage of Trent bowling to left-hand batters and I've worked out my way to try and tackle him, and try to not get out to him. I'll keep that to myself."
Boult has not bowled at high intensity – in public, at least – since the WACA Ground Test, which ended more than a week ago.
Southee did not give much clarity about his Boult's fitness, other than to declare his new-ball partner was "in good hands", his treatment being overseen by Black Caps physio Tommy Simsek.
"We'll know more over the next few days," Southee said.
"There's a lot of depth in the bowling group and if he is unavailable I'm sure someone will step up and fill his shoes."
If Boult was unable to play, his fellow left-armer Neil Wagner would be favoured to take his position, based on his impressive performance in New Zealand's practice match using the pink ball.
