3 Jan 2015

Southee in doubt for second test

5:45 am on 3 January 2015

New Zealand may have to cope without its supremely efficient opening bowling partnership of Tim Southee and Trent Boult for the second cricket test against Sri Lanka.

Southee has suffered an ankle injury and is doubt for the test which starts at the Basin Reserve in Wellington this morning.

Black Caps bowler Tim Southee

Tim Southee may miss the second test against Sri Lanka with an ankle injury. Photo: Photosport

The Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews rates the combination on a par with the South African duo of Dale Steyne and Morne Morkel.

Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum says they may err on the side of caution with the world cup around the corner.

"Tim will tell us. He's an experienced customer and completely honest with his assessment...most of the time he will play even if he's not quite right but we'll see how it (his ankle) scrubs up in the morning and if he's a risk not worth taking we won't take it," he said.

If Southee doesn't play he will be replaced in the playing eleven by Doug Bracewell.

The only other injury concern is over batsman Kane Williamson who McCullum says fell awkwardly during fielding practice but he's confident he'll be fit.

The match will be McCullum's first at the Basin Reserve since his history making 302 against India in February last year.

Brendon McCullum celebrating his triple century against India.

Brendon McCullum will return to the Basin Reserve for his first innings since his historic triple century against India in February. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

But walking into the ground for training today McCullum said he had no flashbacks about that innings when he became the first New Zealander to score a triple century in test cricket.

"Couple of flashbacks about the dressing rooms (and the celebrations) but nothing from out in the middle....it's always nice to come to the Basin even before the last performance."

New Zealand lead the two match series one nil and if they win the second test can rise to fifth on the world test rankings.