Krejza facing fitness test

Injured spinner Jason Krejza will be given until tomorrow morning to prove his fitness for the second Test match against New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval.

Krejza injured his ankle in a training drill and remains in doubt of taking to the field on the opening day.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting says the Tasmanian import will need to pass a number of tests before being given the green light to play.

"If he can't do that he's no chance tomorrow morning," Ponting said.

"He's still a bit proppy on his ankle."

If Krejza fails the fitness test, Nathan Hauritz will be included in the side. Ponting said it was a big promotion for the spinner given he was expected to be 12th man in New South Wales' next first-class game.

Jason Krejza limps up the steps at the Adelaide Oval having injured his ankle

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"It's a big shock for him, hopefully he contributes well if he gets his chance," Ponting said.

"We thought Nathan was the best skilled and the most experienced of the spinners playing around Australia at the moment.

"His form and the way he's been bowling has impressed our selectors around Australia who've been to see him.

"I've always liked Nathan, the way he's gone about his cricket and like him as a bowler. He's played a number of one day games for us over the years, he debuted in India a couple of years ago as well and didn't let anyone down in that game."

Victorian Peter Siddle is also training with the squad. But Australia is keen to add some variety to its attack on a challenging Adelaide Oval pitch.

"It tends to hold together a lot better now than it did five or six years ago, it used to break up pretty dramatically," Ponting said.

"The fast bowlers, once you get in against them, can all feel pretty similar so to have someone who can change the pace up and drift the ball and spin it a little bit is obviously a good weapon to have."

Krejza is considered an unlikely inclusion for the match against New Zealand but Ponting said it wouldn't be long before he got another opportunity.

"I think Jason is still going to remain our No.1 choice of spinner with 12 wickets on debut and obviously understand how shattered he is at the moment," he said.

"We'll keep our fingers crossed and hope he comes up."