Tim Southee is shaping up well in his bid to play the second Test, New Zealand's spearhead surviving a light session with no alarm bells.
Southee was unable to bowl in the second innings of the first Test, having been forced off the Gabba on day two due to a back injury.
The 26-year-old has been on restricted duties since due to an irritated disc.
He returned to the track on Wednesday, when the rest of the squad had a day off.
Southee had a run around and rolled the arm over in Perth.
Team management were pleased with how the right-armer was able to get through the light session.
Southee will have a more rigorous workout on Thursday, the day before the WACA clash starts.
Provided he gets through that, the expectation is he will play the second chapter of the three-Test series.
Southee would be an immense loss for the visitors, having been the pick of their bowlers in Brisbane.
Captain Brendon McCullum and coach Mike Hesson both suggested earlier this week they were confident Southee would take the field in Perth.
Neil Wagner, called into the squad as cover for Southee but a chance of playing alongside him in a four-pronged pace attack, is also upbeat.
"Timmy's a tough customer," Wagner said on Wednesday.
"He's a hard bloke and I'm pretty sure he'll be fighting as hard as he can to get back in the team and make sure he's ready for this Test.
"No doubt he will be."
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