Fitness tests for Boult, de Grandhomme

Injured Black Caps Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme will be given every chance to prove their fitness for the upcoming tour of Australia.

They both missed the second test against England in Hamilton after suffering injuries during the first test at Mount Maunganui.

Boult had a muscle strain overlying his ribs on his right side while all-rounder de Grandhomme had a tear to his left lower abdominal muscle.

Black Caps coach Gary Stead, speaking after the second test was abandoned in Hamilton yesterday, said the pair would have bowling workouts today and again on Friday before a decision is made whether they will travel to Perth.

The New Zealanders leave Auckland on Saturday, with the first test in Perth starting six days later.

‘‘They’re both progressing well, which is encouraging for us,’’ Stead said.

The bowling session on Wednesday would be a light one, with a harder session planned for Friday.

If one or both aren’t fit enough, New Zealand will bring replacements into the squad.

All-rounder Daryl Mitchell, who impressed in his test debut at Seddon Park, is the most likely to come in for de Grandhomme whom he replaced, with squad members Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson vying for Boult’s position in the XI.

‘‘Colin could have kept bowling through the test match, so he’s probably a little bit more advanced, but Trent scrubbed up well today, which was really encouraging,’’ Stead said.

‘‘I don’t know if I’m really confident – I’m quietly optimistic. They’re both tracking where we want them to be at.’’