Cricket: Selectors keep faith with a fit Fleming

By Richard Boock

Stephen Fleming's future as New Zealand cricket captain seems as secure as Taine Randell's is uncertain.

The day after Randell received a slightly less-than-ringing endorsement from All Black coach John Hart, the injured Fleming brought peals of praise from cricket's convener of selectors Ross Dykes.

Dykes said yesterday that Fleming - so capably replaced by Dion Nash during the one-day series against India - had the total confidence of the selection panel and would be reinstated as captain as soon as he was fit.

"As a selection panel, we haven't had any thoughts of replacing Stephen as captain," he said. "He's had two-and-a-bit years as skipper and has developed enormously in that time.

"He has the respect of his players, of opposition players, and has gained invaluable knowledge and experience - it would be a huge waste to change it all at this stage."

Nash thrived on responsibility against India, both as a player and as a caretaker captain, leading to suggestions that he might be retained in the position when Fleming returned.

Dykes said he was thrilled with Nash's leadership, but that Fleming was still the No.1 man for the job.

"The real bonus in all this is that we've found someone who's able to take over the reins very competently. Before Stephen was injured that wasn't nearly as clear.

"And another plus is that Dion will possibly be more forthcoming and confident as a senior player when Stephen does return, so our leadership skills have deepened - no doubt about it."

Fleming underwent surgery on his injured groin on January 21 and began his rehabilitation in the gymnasium and pool this week. The 25-year-old left-hander will definitely miss the first three ODIs against South Africa, and probably the first test against South Africa (starting in Auckland, February 27) as well.

A more likely return will be the second test in Christchurch, beginning March 11.

"It's still a little bit tight but it's about where it should be at this time," Fleming said of his injury. "It's quite an aggressive recovery and I'm able to push it quite a bit harder than other injuries. They don't want it to heal short again."

Dykes said he would like to think New Zealand's batting depth had improved as dramatically as the captaincy stocks - with Bryan Young and Roger Twose making encouraging comebacks against India - but was "frankly" still worried about the team's run-scoring ability.

"Realistically, I think we're still thin on batsmen, and that's taking nothing away from the guys who have played for us this summer.

"There's still some problems and that became apparent against India."

South Africa arrive in Christchurch on February 11, play a one-day match against the Academy in Alexandra on February 13, before starting a six- game ODI series against New Zealand in Dunedin the following day.