Boult firming for third Test

New Zealand paceman Trent Boult has recovered from his back injury and is set to play the inaugural day-night Test in Adelaide.

Boult started the three-Test series underdone due to a different back complaint, while an irritated disc meant he was in doubt for the final Test against Australia that starts on Friday.

The left-armer showed few signs of discomfort while bowling eight overs in the nets at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, five of them at "full intensity" according to coach Mike Hesson.

Hesson and captain Brendon McCullum will on Thursday make a final call regarding Boult.

Provided there are no setbacks and the swing specialist pulls up well, he is likely to take part in the historic clash.

"We just have to see how he scrubs up tomorrow," Hesson said.

"He doesn't give too much away but he got through it and he was fine.

"He got better as day went on. If he backs up tomorrow he'll be good to go. We're relatively confident."

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Based on the swing specialist's form at this year's World Cup he would be a handful with the pink ball under lights.

Boult had 22 scalps in the ODI tournament, topping the wicket-taking list alongside Mitchell Starc.

"He's pretty keen," Hesson said.

"We'll give him every chance, when he's on song he is a big player for us so we'll give him every opportunity.

"But we're also not going to push him if there's a risk."

South African left-armer Neil Wagner is expected to be called into the XI if Boult is ruled out.

Hesson suggested Wagner and left-arm tweaker Mitchell Santner would come under consideration regardless.

"Over the five days the pitch will deteriorate at a slightly different rate than normal, so we need to acknowledge that and see whether two spinners is an option," he said.