With New Zealand yet to confirm the availability of Trent Boult for the first Test against Australia, Lockie Ferguson is most likely for a Test debut in Perth on Thursday (December 12).

​However, Boult passed a fitness test to take his place in the Playing XI for the Perth Test, but his involvement is yet to be confirmed as the Black Caps’ leading paceman continues his recovery from a side injury, which makes strong chances for Ferguson for a much-awaited Test debut against Aussies.

Having already established himself in the Black Caps’ limited-overs scheme, featuring in 36 ODIs and 8 T20Is since making debut in 2016, Ferguson, who regularly exceed speeds of 140kph, is keen on sporting whites for his country after making headlines in the 2019 World Cup for bowling at speeds of beyond 150km/h.

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However, the 28-year-old paceman is still waiting for his chance in Test cricket despite having a great first-class record as he has 153 wickets in 42 red ball games for Auckland.

With the Optus Stadium wicket is most probably to suit Ferguson, he might receive the debut cap on Thursday for the first Test of the three-match Test series against Australia in Perth.

Tim Southee told media about Ferguson’s chances ahead of Perth Test: “Lockie has done extremely well in white-ball cricket in his start to his international career. He has got a great first-class record with the red ball, and has been around the group for a wee while with the England series.”

The bowler continued, “He is just waiting for his chance. He obviously brings out and outpace with Tim and I swing it. And Neil (Wagner) brings his own unique style to the game as well. So it’s nice to have another variation sitting there waiting for his chance.”

Southee signed off by saying, “It’s a side that has been reasonably settled for a long time but it’s nice to have Lockie Ferguson who can bowl out and outpace.”

(With AAP Inputs)