Australia has put a bounty on the wicket of Kane Williamson, believing the New Zealand skipper is the major obstacle standing between the hosts and Test victory.

Key points: Kane Williamson says he will follow his regular match plan, even though he will be targeted by Australian bowlers

Kane Williamson says he will follow his regular match plan, even though he will be targeted by Australian bowlers Both teams will observe a hold a minute's silence and wear black armbands to honour victims of the White Island volcanic eruption

Both teams will observe a hold a minute's silence and wear black armbands to honour victims of the White Island volcanic eruption The first of three Tests between Australia and New Zealand begins in Perth on Thursday

Williamson is a superstar of world cricket who boasts a Test average of 52.68 to go with 21 centuries.

Australia is well and truly aware it cannot put all its focus into just one player, with the likes of Tom Latham, Ross Taylor and BJ Watling among the other batsmen that command respect.

But it is the scalp of Williamson that Australia will prize the most, and skipper Tim Paine is making no secret of the value his team places on it.

Teams generally put a high value on dismissing the rival skipper.

But that value is magnified when it comes to Williamson, given his batting prowess.

"I mean regardless of whether he's captain, I think Kane's a huge key to New Zealand's team, there's no doubt about that," Paine said ahead of the first Test in Perth, starting on Thursday.

"If we can keep him quiet, it's going to go a long way to helping us win Test matches and win the series.

"But it's a lot easier said than done, particularly with the way he's been playing the last few years."

Williamson was not fazed to know he will be headhunted, saying he will simply go out and try to execute his plans as he always does.

Perth has yielded plenty of runs for Kane Williamson before, albeit at the WACA. ( AAP: Dave Hunt )

But do the Kiwis have an Australian batsman in mind to target?

"All of them. It's hard to pinpoint one," Williamson said.

"If you're looking at performing as a group, you have to take 20 wickets. We know there's a lot of depth in that batting line-up, we don't want to focus on one or two."

The Kiwis are still sweating on the fitness of star paceman Trent Boult (side strain), but batsman Ross Taylor (hand) and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme (abdominal) appear set to take their place.

Boult looked unhindered during a 35-minute stint in the nets on Tuesday, but he will be given another fitness test on Wednesday night before a final decision is made on his availability.

"I think you look at it as a longish-term decision in terms of this whole series," Williamson said.

"He has tracked really nicely. He felt really good yesterday. So a number of factors [go into] that decision."

Kane Williamson has notched two centuries in 2019, including an unbeaten double ton. ( AP: Mark Baker )

New Zealand's one and only Test series victory in Australia came in 1985 when it posted a 2-1 win.

The Kiwis are currently ranked second in the world, and they can stamp themselves as a world power if they can beat Australia in their own backyard.

Williamson says his team is embracing the challenge.

Moment of silence to be held for volcano victims

A moment of silence will be held before the first Test between Australia and New Zealand to pay tribute to those who died in the volcanic eruption on White Island.

At least six people, including three Australians, have been confirmed dead after the tragedy in NZ.

New Zealand's coach says the White Island tragedy is devastating. ( AP: Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust )

Both the Australian and New Zealand teams will wear black armbands and participate in the moment of silence.

Paine said it was important to pay respect.

"Both teams are keen to show any support we can," he said.

"It's been a terrible tragedy. For us to do something to honour those people and the families of those who are involved is really important for both teams."

Australia coach Justin Langer said players would no doubt be affected by the tragedy.

"It puts a Test into huge perspective," Langer said.

"All of a sudden lives are being torn apart. It's very sad. Our hearts go out to everyone there.

"It will have an impact. I'm sure it will affect all New Zealanders."

Black Caps coach Gary Stead said the tragedy was devastating.

"From our team's point of view, it sort of puts things into perspective; that it is a game and all we're playing is a game," Stead said.

"And when you hear about lives lost and something tragic like that, it's devastating to hear. It's terrible to hear, and you don't wish that upon anyone."

AAP