MOHALI, India, Oct 31 - New Zealand all rounder Scott Styris is set to miss Wednesday's Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia due to injury.

The 31-year-old Styris was top scorer with 86 in the 51-run victory over Pakistan last week but had to use a runner after a recurrence of hamstring and back problems which forced him to miss the opening victory over South Africa.

"Styris is pretty unlikely to play," captain Stephen Fleming told reporters on Tuesday. "He is still suffering from the hamstring and back."

But Fleming was confident strike bowler Shane Bond and seamer Kyle Mills (knee injury) would be fit.

Bond has had a hamstring problem but bowled in the nets on Tuesday.

He has been a major force in previous matches with Australia, taking 22 wickets in six games at less than 11 runs apiece and dismissing skipper Ricky Ponting each time.

"Shane has a very good record against Australia," Fleming said. "Like a lot of players he wants to test himself against the best.

EPIC BATTLE

"I hope he is going to be at it once again. It is going to be an epic battle."

New Zealand have lost 15 of their last 17 meetings with Australia but Fleming urged his players to demonstrate they could perform consistently in major events.

"I'm not just talking it up, that is what we will look forward to," he said.

"Big tournaments are important because people tend to look and gauge the success of a side. We haven't been that good in big tournaments.

"We're looking to climb the ladder and beating Australia tomorrow will go a long way towards doing that."

The Kiwis lost 2-1 to the world champions in the Chappell-Hadlee series played in New Zealand in December.

"We're always excited when we play Australia," said Fleming. "Our cricket is measured on how they play against us.

"If we beat Australia we will be pleased but the bigger picture (consistency) is more important."

Holders West Indies play South Africa in the second semi-final in Jaipur on Thursday.