Kiwis opt to field, Marshall replaces Styris

Mohali, Nov 1 (UNI) New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming won the toss and opted to bowl first against Australia in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy here today.

All-rounder Scott Styris, struggling with a recurring back injury, has been replaced by Hamish Marshall in the New Zealand squad.

The Australians, meanwhile, have retained the side which beat India in the last group A encounter.

Teams (From): Australia: Ricky Ponting (Capt) Nathan Bracken, Adam Gilchrist (WK), Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson.

New Zealand: Stephen Fleming (Capt), Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, James Franklin, Peter Fulton, Hamish Marshall, Brendon McCullum (WK), Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent.

Umpires: Steve Bucknor, Rudy Koertzon Third Umpire: Billy Bowden Fourth Umpire: Mark Benson Match Refree: Mike Procter UNI HSB PM DS1416