New Zealand spearhead Tim Southee is in doubt for next week's second Test, with the tourists adding Neil Wagner to their squad.
Southee limped off the Gabba on Friday morning, extending the Black Caps' miserable start to the three-Test series.
Southee is having treatment for an irritated disc.
Team management remains tight-lipped about Southee's chances of bowling in the second dig in Brisbane, let alone playing the Perth fixture that starts on Friday.
"Tim will continue to be monitored and assessed over the coming days, but it's important we have all of our bases covered," coach Mike Hesson said.
"Bringing Neil into the squad as cover assures us of that."
Southee was sent for back scans after day one of the clash in Brisbane, where he was the pick of NZ's bowlers amid Australia's run gluttons.
Southee bowled a four-over spell in the morning on day two but was clearly restricted.
The paceman later returned to the attack but completed only one over before trudging off the park.
During that over, Southee's 24th, he aborted his run-up and regularly grimaced.
Wagner has played 16 Tests and taken 58 wickets at an average of 34.48.
He hasn't played for the Black Caps since December, 2014.
Matt Henry is the other paceman in the touring party, however he was overlooked for the first Test in favour of Doug Bracewell.
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