Kiwi all-rounder Styris doubtful starter for tomorrow's semi-final

Mohali, Oct 31 (UNI) New Zealand's Champions Trophy semi-final campaign against Australia suffered a jolt today as their star player and in-form batsman Scott Styris was virtually ruled out for the match with a back injury.

Styris aggravated the injury in the Group B league game against Pakistan last week. Top-scorer in that game with 86, the batsman needed a runner for most part of his innings, though that did not stop him from unleashing a series of hefty blows in the end overs.

The last time the Kiwis played Australia in Christchurch in December 2005, the burly all-rounder muscled his way to 101 as his side chased down 332 for a rare win over the Aussies.

Styris had not undergone any practice since the Pakistan match and this afternoon skipper Stephen Fleming admitted, ''He (Styris) would have been handy here. It is important for the team to look forward, but Scott's bowling would have helped.'' Kiwi coach John Bracewell said Styris had not been able to practice at all since the Pakistan game.

''Scott played very well and he showed the other day what he's capable of in big games. But he hasn't been able to practice at all,'' he said.

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