Cricket: Injury puts Fleming in doubt

Stephen Fleming has dislocated his thumb. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Former captain Stephen Fleming is in doubt for New Zealand's final pre-test warm-up cricket match in South Africa after dislocating a thumb during fielding practice.

The Black Caps senior batsman sustained the injury while attempting to effect a catch at training overnight, casting doubt on his ability to play against South Africa A in Potchefstroom.

New Zealand's second four-day practice match starts tomorrow night (NZT) with Fleming to be given until shortly before the toss to prove his fitness.

Should Fleming not be passed fit Lou Vincent seems the logical replacement after he sat out the 216-run victory against an invitational side on a sub-standard pitch in Bloemfontein last week.

The two-test rubber against a South African side buoyed from a test and one-day series win in Pakistan starts in Johannesburg on November 8.

New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori has been impressed with South Africa's success in Pakistan but he is using it for motivation.

Vettori said the Black Caps are hoping to do to South Africa what they did to Pakistan.

He believes everyone is comfortable with what they have to do and now they just need conditions that will give them the best preparation.

Vettori is hoping for a flat pitch after the shambles in Bloemfontein and says they will have to think carefully about selection.

He said bowlers Iain O'Brien, Mark Gillespie and Jeetan Patel are all pushing for a place in the side.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB