Seamers In Spotlight Ahead Of 2nd Test

Australia's expecting Trent Boult to return to his best form when the second cricket test starts in Perth tomorrow.

Boult struggled for consistency in Brisbane, taking just two wickets for 188 runs in the match.

However Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson said as pleased as they were with Boult's lack of success, they're expecting him to show his worth.

"It was certainly a surprise to us that he didn't bowl the way that he normally does, so look we're expecting him to bounce back and bowl well out here."

The Black Caps are considering playing four seamers at the WACA, with Neil Wagner a contender to join a fit again Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell in the lineup.

If they do, it won't come at the expense of Mark Craig, meaning BJ Watling would bat at six, according to Brendon McCullum.

McCullum said they just need to check on Tim Southee's fitness.

"He came through yesterday, but we just want to see how he scrubs up today and get some overs into him. Obviously then it's just working out the balance once we've seen the pitch."

The Black Caps are playing down any suggestion they were underdone before the first test.

New Zealand struggled for any consistency in the heavy loss, but Guptill said despite the lack of game time, there are no excuses.

"As soon as we come together we know it's time to work, you know we just couldn't quite get it going in Brisbane and we're going to be better going into the next test."

The first test loss mirrors recent tours to the Caribbean, the UAE and England.

Guptill said it's frustrating to have to come from behind again, but they wouldn't be in Australia if they didn't think they could win.

"It has been like that for the past couple of series but we've got two games to go so hopefully we can bring it back to 1-1 or even 2-1, then we'll have had a successful trip."
New Zealand's weighing up whether to play four seamers in the second test with Neil Wagner a strong possibility to join a fit again Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell.

The second test in Perth starts tomorrow.

Australian captain Steve Smith has named an unchanged 11 to face the Black Caps, with veteran seam bowler Peter Siddle again missing out.

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