That took his record from 14 tests to 37 wickets at an average of 43.32.
He's a better talent than that. At last season's World Cup, Southee took 18 at 17.33, the third best return at the tournament.
Southee, who turns 23 on Sunday, felt okay going into the Brisbane test, despite a knee injury ruling him out of the October-November tour to Zimbabwe.
He had played a couple of Plunket Shield games and the Australia A match as lead-in to Brisbane.
"I think I had enough cricket leading up,'' he said yesterday.
"But I was very disappointed in the way I bowled.
"There were a couple of things we picked up and hopefully they click and other things come from that, just getting momentum back and the rhythm of what I was doing towards the end of last summer.''
At least New Zealand's leading fast-medium bowlers are all fit at the moment.
The leader of the seam group, Chris Martin, at 36 and taker of 206 wickets in 63 tests, is a fine example of keeping himself in good shape and avoiding injury.
But Australia have problems.
They have a new cricket dream combination a bowling attack spearheaded by 18-year-old quick Pat Cummins and 21-year-old James Pattinson.
Cummins, who took six wickets on debut against South Africa to win the man of the match award in their two-wicket win a fortnight ago, is now sidelined for several weeks by a stress fracture in a heel.
Pattinson made an immediate impact when he ripped through New Zealand's second innings in Brisbane, having five for seven at one point.
Once Cummins is fit again, Australia have their fingers crossed.
"Along with James, now we know we've got guys there who are highly talented and have got the skills and ability to take that next step very quickly,'' former captain and senior statesman Ricky Ponting said yesterday.
"We have to look after them, no doubt about that. We all understand how hard it is on the body to keep running in and bowling fast all the time.''
No such worries for 157-test veteran Ponting as he approaches his seventh and possibly last test on his home ground.
He averages 80 at Bellerive Oval; his last innings there produced 209 against Pakistan 23 months ago; he's hit a 60 and a 70 in his last two test innings to keep at bay those calling for him to be eased out of the team.
"He'll be confident and desperate to do well in possibly his last test in Hobart,'' Southee said.
"He's a massive wicket. Those three experienced guys in the middle of their order, Ponting, Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey, are a massive part of their batting lineup.''
