Cricket: Aussies assess injury list

Shane Watson remains in doubt for the second test. Photo / Getty Images

Australia will assess their long injury list before naming their squad today for this week's second Test against New Zealand in Hobart.

Selectors will keep their fingers crossed they can inject teenage sensation Patrick Cummins (heel), creating what would be an exciting fast bowling combination with James Pattinson.

Victorian speedster Pattinson, 21, inspired Australia's nine-wicket win in Brisbane on Sunday with a five-wicket haul on debut.

He was on a hat-trick after taking three wickets in four balls on his way to finishing with 5-27 to help rout New Zealand for 150 - setting Australia just 19 runs for victory.

Pattinson's form - and Cummins' possible return - eased concerns over Australia's injury-hit bowling stocks.

Allrounder Shane Watson (hamstring) and Ryan Harris (hip) are doubtful for the Hobart Test, Mitchell Johnson is out for the season after toe surgery and Ben Cutting - 12th man in Brisbane - could be sidelined for two months with a side strain.

South Australian allrounder Dan Christian is on standby for the second Test after Cutting's injury.

Their bowling stocks may be soaring but their batting - namely Test opener Phil Hughes - may yet cause concern.

Hughes made 10 and seven in Brisbane, adding another dip in his rollercoaster Test career.

Another failure in Hobart is set to put enormous pressure on the NSW left-hander, whose unorthodox technique is again being questioned after he was caught twice in the gully at the Gabba.

- AAP