New Zealand call up Wagner to cover Southee

New Zealand have called up Neil Wagner as cover for Tim Southee, who left the field on day two of the first Test against Australia with a back problem.

Southee departed the action at the Gabba in Friday's morning session, having returned figures of 1-70 after 24 overs as the hosts piled up 556-4 declared in the first innings.

New Zealand confirmed that Southee had left the field with an irritated disc and would continue to be assessed.

The Black Caps later announced that Wagner - whose last Test appearance came against Sri Lanka in December 2014 - had been called up as cover.

Australia finished the day well on top, having reduced New Zealand to 157-5 at stumps, still 399 behind.

After the clash at the Gabba, the two sides move to Perth before the first ever day-night Test at Adelaide concludes the series.