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ADELAIDE, Australia, Friday (AFP) - New Zealand's swashbuckling match-winner Chris Cairns is fighting to be fit for Saturday's crucial tri-nations series one-day clash against Australia at Adelaide Oval.

"There is an element of concern," Black Caps' captain Stephen Fleming conceded here Friday as the tournament leaders limbered up for their toughest game in the contest.

Cairns, 31, the team's star all-rounder, has a back strain after leading his country to a dramatic win over South Africa with a memorable 102 from 99 balls in Brisbane six days ago.

He remained in Sydney to receive treatment Wednesday when the Kiwis travelled to the New South Wales country town of Bowral to play an Australian Country X1.

"Chris should be good enough to play, but we have to confirm that in the morning," Fleming said. "We are encouraged by the progress.

"His chances of playing are high. He is a very important part of the side in this competition, so we will be doing everything we can to get him on the park.

"If it got to the point that he could not complete his overs at the bowling crease, then his batting skills would still be very important."

As the tournament enters a vital stage, New Zealand lead the competition with 12 points, having won three of their four first games.

Breathing down their necks are Australia who, despite a calamitous three-loss start, have won their past two matches - both against South Adfrica - and sit on nine points, including one bonus point for thrashing the Proteas by such a huge margin in Sydney three days ago.

At the bottom are South Africa (eight points), who have lost their past three matches and, according to star fast bowler Allan Donald, are psychologically sprawled on the canvas.

South Africa play New Zealand here Sunday. Two days later, the Kiwis line up in Melbourne against Australia for their third match in a rugged four-day stretch.

"We have three really big games," Fleming said. "It would be nice if we could win one or two - I think that would be enough toi get us to the finals."

Fleming said the return from injury of star right-hander Nathan Astle would be a major boost for the team.

"He's our best one-day batter, and he brings great experience. Experience in Australia and in this competition is vital, so he brings influence to the top order."

Fleming said the three matches over such a short span would be tough.

"We know it is going to be hard work, but we are not really too bothered about it.

"We made a little bit of a song and dance about the programming earlier, but when it comes down to it, we just have to get into it. We have known about it for a while.

"We are looking forward to the first two games, and then we have to try to recover on our day off to be ready for the third.

"It's great fun - it's a great competition."

Although they have beaten the home country twice, New Zealand have yet to play an outstanding game, according to Fleming.

"We have not put a complete performance together yet," he said. "We have had individuals do things at the right time, or bits and pieces type performances in our first two wins, so we are still searching for that perfect game.

"We would like to put it together as many times as we can, but we have not done it yet. We are still searching for it."

Australian captain Steve Waugh said the pressure was now on New Zealand.

"Now they are winning, perhaps the pressure is on them to keep winning," he said.

"That's the way we will be looking at it. We know we have to improve. They have played very well. But we know we can improve.

"You are remembered for whether or not you win the competition, and that is our goal.

"We have won our past two games, but that is only two. We still have a lot of work to do.

"This game Saturday is really important, because we have not beaten New Zealand yet. If we win, we go to the top of the table."

Both teams will announce their line-ups Saturday.

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