Cricket: Fleming to lead from the front

Stephen Fleming

Stephen Fleming's long-established firefighting skills are set to be employed again this morning when New Zealand square off against Australia in the first test at Jade Stadium.

The Black Caps skipper has been used to fill several holes in the batting line-up over the years and will be on the move again this week, vacating his usual No 3 spot to partner rookie Craig Cumming at the top of the order.

At a time when most of his team-mates would be happier fleeing the flames and sliding down a place or two, Fleming has rushed in against the tide, answering the call from his coach John Bracewell to literally lead from the front.

The move will offer him the chance to add to an already impressive opening portfolio, which includes an unbeaten 69 against Sri Lanka at Colombo two years ago and a double of 117 and 45 in his most recent effort - against England at Trent Bridge.

Fleming, who over the past few months has spoken fondly of returning to the opening slot, averages an impressive 56 in the position after six innings, a cut above his overall career average of 39.32.

"I'm looking forward to getting back to the top and opening with Craig,"

Fleming said yesterday. "I've had a little experience in the position in England, and it's something I feel quite comfortable with."

New Zealand will start today's test in questionable form after being whitewashed 5-0 in the one-dayers, and are likely to come against rampant Australian paceman Brett Lee, who twice broke the 160km/h barrier last weekend.

Despite the Australians humming and ha-ing, Lee should almost walk into the line-up after his efforts in the ODIs, and the fact that he only needs to look at most of the New Zealand batsmen for them to be given out "fainted".

However, Fleming said he wasn't losing any sleep over his likely showdown with Lee, and felt capable of making a decent contribution from the start and setting the innings up for the remaining batsmen.

"The positive aspect is you're in there straight away and you can make a difference," he said.

"You've got to be careful if you do spend some hours in the field because it's sometimes hard divorcing yourself from the captaincy and strapping on the pads.

"But my experiences through England were a good gauge and I enjoyed the challenge."

Possibly the most disconcerting aspect of Fleming's promotion is that Australian skipper Ricky Ponting is also happy with New Zealand's plans, and is forecasting a tough time ahead for his opposite.

Ponting, who like Fleming usually bats at No 3, said it couldn't be an easy task trying to get used to an unfamiliar position after batting elsewhere in the order for so long, and predicted problems for Fleming.

"It could be slightly harder on him [Fleming]," he said.

"I just think opening the batting in general will be harder on Stephen anyway.

"Having been at No 3 for as long as he has, making the adjustment to the top of the order might be a little bit difficult for him."

However, Ponting said his team were wary of the threat from Fleming and wouldn't take anything for granted against any of the New Zealand players.

"It doesn't really matter where he plays. We identify him as being their best, strongest batsmen in most conditions. He's got the technique to cope with both forms of bowling, so hopefully we'll be able to keep him under wraps."

New Zealand last night handed pace bowler Iain O'Brien his first test cap. He joins Wellington team-mate James Franklin in the starting XI.

Canterbury off-spinner Paul Wiseman is the 12th man.

Australia's dilemma revolves around who they might leave out to accommodate Lee.

Teams

New Zealand

Stephen Fleming (captain), Craig Cumming, Hamish Marshall, Lou Vincent, Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Chris Martin, Iain O'Brien. 12th man: P. Wiseman.

Australia (from):

Ricky Ponting (captain), Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Micahel Clarke, Simon Katich, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath, Michael Kasprowicz.