NZ optimistic on Southee return

New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum is confident pace spearhead Tim Southee will be fit for this week's second Test against Australia in Perth.

Both Southee and allrounder James Neesham broke down with back injuries in the Black Caps' 208-run first Test loss in Brisbane.

Neesham has been ruled out of the remainder of the three-Test series, but McCullum is keeping his fingers crossed Southee will receive the green light for the Perth clash starting on Friday.

Quick Single: McClenaghan steps in as Neesham sidelined

Southee broke down on the second day after being the pick of the Kiwi bowling in Australia's first innings of 4(dec)-556, taking 1-70.

"I am pretty confident, he is starting to come right pretty quickly which is a good sign," McCullum said of Southee's chances.

WATCH: Brendon McCullum on Tim Southee's recovery

"Back injuries can recover pretty quickly, we will give him every chance.

"He showed in that first innings he will pose a lot of questions, so hopefully he will play."

Both Southee and Neesham on Monday batted in New Zealand's second innings of 295, which fell well short of the 504-run victory target set on the final day's morning.

Neil Wagner has already been called in for cover for Southee, while left-arm paceman Mitchell McClenaghan on Monday replaced Neesham in the touring party.

Neesham, himself selected in the touring party due to allrounder Corey Anderson's back injury, struggled in the first Test.

The allrounder returned from a back stress fracture earlier this year but still isn't 100 per cent.

"Jimmy has worked hard to get back to fitness following his injury earlier this year, but at this stage still experiences discomfort when bowling extended loads," New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said.

"Jimmy will return to New Zealand for further medical assessment.

"At this stage our No.1 priority is getting Jimmy fully healthy and ready for the home summer."

The 25-year-old bowled a combined 20 overs at the Gabba and had figures of 1-111, failing to generate much pace and struggling for control.

Adam Milne (shin) and Ben Wheeler (back) are also sidelined at the moment, leaving McClenaghan as the obvious choice for the second Test.

The 29-year-old has played 43 ODIs and 20 Twenty20s for the Black Caps but is yet to make his Test debut.

"Mitch has the ability to run in all day, bowl quick spells and has experience on the International stage," said Hesson.

"He'll bring a lot to the group and is obviously very excited to come and join the squad."