Cairns battles back strain

Chris Cairns has remained in Sydney with a minor back strain while his New Zealand team-mates drove to Bowral for tomorrow's limited-overs match against an Australian Country XI at Bradman Oval.

The Kiwis could be joined by dynamic opening batsman and part-time medium pacer Nathan Astle tomorrow night if, as expected, he proves his recovery from a broken hand in a domestic game for his club, Canterbury.

NZ team manager Jeff Crowe says Cairns did not want to risk aggravating a small niggle by travelling to and from the Southern Highlands town.

Allrounder Chris Harris will also be given a rest ahead of NZ's busy tri-series program of three matches in four days from Saturday.

The Kiwis take on Australia on Saturday and South Africa on Sunday in a double-header at Adelaide Oval, then back up two days later against Australia at the MCG.