New Zealand are taking a "wait and see" approach with strike bowler Tim Southee's back injury and whether he will be sighted again in the three-Test trans-Tasman cricket series.
Tim Southee leaves the Gabba after picking up an injury Photo: Photosport
Southee has been out of the Black Caps attack since leaving the field on Friday - day two of the first Test against Australia at the Gabba.
He was able to bat in New Zealand's first innings of 317 on Saturday, scoring 14, but he looked at times in pain.
And he was not sighted with the ball as Australia blasted their way to 4-264 in their second dig before bad light prematurely ended day three action on Saturday.
Australia boast an overall lead of 503.
Southee's irritated disc is still being assessed by team management, however paceman Neil Wagner has joined the touring squad as cover.
"Tim is a leader with the ball, obviously he's a big loss," New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson said.
"I am not too sure how serious the injury is but hopefully he can recover quickly."
"We will just have to wait and see."
Complicating matters is the fact it is a short turnaround to the second Test, which starts in Perth on Friday.
Southee (1-70) would be sorely missed at the WACA, having been the pick of the side's bowlers at the Gabba where Australia strolled to 4(dec)-556 in their first dig.
"Tim will continue to be monitored and assessed over the coming days but it's important we have all of our bases covered," coach Mike Hesson said on Friday.
"Bringing Neil into the squad as cover assures us of that."
Wagner has played 16 Tests and taken 58 wickets at an average of 34.48.
He hasn't played for the Black Caps since December, 2014.
Matt Henry is the other paceman in the touring party, however he was overlooked for the first Test in favour of Doug Bracewell.
