Brendon McCullum hopeful Tim Southee features in the second Test against Australia

McCullum hailed Southee as a “strong leader” and “inspirational figure”

New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum is hopeful that Tim Southee recovers from the back injury he sustained during the first Test match against Australia and makes it to the playing XI for the second Test which begins at the WACA on Friday, IBNLive reports.

McCullum, who hailed Southee as a “strong leader” however added that he will be leaving the final call regarding his fitness to the player himself.

"We'll speak to him throughout the practice and have a yarn to him later on," McCullum told ABC radio at the WACA. "Tim's a strong leader in this group and he's an absolute champion within the set-up and we'll give him as long as he needs, but ultimately he'll be very, very honest with his assessment.”

McCullum reiterated Southee’s influence in the team and is hopeful that the 26-year-old recovers in time as New Zealand look to stage a comeback in the three-match series having lost the opening Test at the Gabba by a margin of 208 runs.

"He'll do what's right for the team and hopefully that is that he can take his place in the line-up because he's an outstanding bowler and an influential member for us," he said.

McCullum spoke further on his other fast bowling options and is confident that his side can come back strongly in the series. He had special words of praise for Neil Wagner who has been called up as cover for Southee should the latter be ruled out.

“Neil Wagner was outstanding for us when he was operating in that third seamer role and he's been an integral member of this team in its turnaround as a Test line-up," McCullum added. “If he's called upon to step in this series, we have total confidence in him."

New Zealand have enjoyed outstanding success off late in all formats with the highlight obviously being their run to the final of the 2015 World Cup where they were beaten convincingly by the same opponents. Their Test record has been impressive as well having not lost a series in the longer format on the last seven occasions. McCullum is however wary that the Kiwis would have to step up their game should that record continue.

"We know that we can be a lot better than we were in the Gabba," he said. "We've played some outstanding cricket over the last period of time. We were off the beat at the Gabba, but that doesn't mean we will be here."