7 Nov 2015

Black Caps struggling, Southee in doubt

3:12 pm on 7 November 2015

The New Zealand cricketers remain in big trouble after two days of their opening Test against Australia in Brisbane.

After the hosts declared their first innings on a resounding 556 for four at the Gabba, the Black Caps reached stumps at 157 for five - a whopping 414 runs behind.

Kane Williamson made a half century and will resume on 55, with BJ Watling on 14.

View RNZ's live coverage of the second day here

Australian captain Steven Smith is bowled out by Trent Boult. Day Two, 6 November 2015. New Zealand tour of Australia, 1st test at Brisbane 5-9 November 2015. Copyright photo: www.photosport.nz

Australian captain Steven Smith is bowled by Trent Boult - one of few highlights on day two for the tourists Photo: Photosport

Following the imposing declaration, the tourists made it to tea at 43 without loss, before opening batsman Martin Guptill became the victim of some very good Australian fielding.

Guptill was caught for 23 by David Warner, diving at third slip, off a ball by Josh Hazlewood.

A steady-the-ship stand by fellow opener Tom Latham and first drop Williamson put on 47 runs before Latham was caught off Mitchell Starc for 47.

The Black Caps then lost three more wickets in 24 balls.

Ross Taylor lasted just seven fruitless deliveries before he was caught at second slip for a duck off Mitchell Johnson, followed by Brendon McCullum for a mere six runs, after the captain edged one to first slip, also off Johnson.

Starc then bowled Jimmy Neesham for three.

Hosts too good with the bat again

Australian captain Steve Smith was one of just two of the hosts' wickets to fall on the second day, when he was bowled for 48 by Trent Boult before lunch.

Smith declared the team's first innings after first drop Usman Khawaja was caught for 174 after lunch off the bowling of part-timer Williamson.

At lunch, Australia were 482 for three.

Australia began the second day at 389 for two after a largely fruitless opening day in the field for New Zealand.

Southee in doubt

To compound matters for the visitors, senior pace bowler Tim Southee was forced from the field with a back injury.

He may be in doubt for the rest of the series as he is treated for an irritated disc.

Tim Southee leaves the Gabba after picking up an injury. Day two, 6 November 2015. New Zealand tour of Australia, 1st Test at Brisbane 5-9 November 2015. Copyright photo: www.photosport.nz

Tim Southee leaves the Gabba after picking up an injury Photo: Photosport

Fast bowler Neil Wagner has been called into the squad as cover for Southee ahead of the second Test in Perth.

Wagner, who has played 16 Tests and taken 58 wickets, joins the team in what coach Mike Hesson said was a precautionary move.

"Tim will continue to be monitored and assessed over the coming days, but it's important we have all of our bases covered. Bringing Neil into the squad as cover assures us of that," said Hesson.

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