Sunday, Australia thrashed New Zealand by 172 runs in Wellington to take the lead in the two-match series. In addition to the loss, another concerning factor has been the fitness of young fast bowler Will O'Rourke who walked off the field due to holding his hamstring on Saturday.

When Australian skipper Pat Cummins was asked about the prospect of Neil Wagner returning in place of O'Rourke for the second Test, he would laugh and joke that it would be the 'world's shortest retirement.' The Kiwi left-arm seamer announced his retirement earlier in the week.

'I mean, why not? If he's your next best bowler that you think is going to perform, then go for it. I've faced him before,' Cummins recalls. 'It'd be good to see. He's high energy. It's been good fun chatting to him each morning out here, so see how he goes.'

New Zealand skipper Tim Southee speaking about Wagner after the game would say, 'He's had great reception here over the last week,' he said. 'Got a couple of moments on the field, and he's been a fan favorite for a long time,' he added.