KEY POINTS:
Expect Daniel Vettori to lead New Zealand's one-day team against South Africa this year after the sudden abdication of Stephen Fleming.
Fleming, the most capped one-day skipper in the world, yesterday told a packed World Cup semifinal press conference that he was stepping down from the captaincy, but hoped to remain as a player and the captain of the test side.
His announcement dominated discussions after New Zealand crashed out of the tournament in an 81-run flop against Sri Lanka, and left Vettori as the only genuine contender for his position.
Vettori, who has led New Zealand in 11 ODIs over the past couple of years, should receive his first opportunity as permanent captain in November, when his side play five ODIs - as well as two tests - in South Africa.
Even Jacob Oram, considered one of the few other New Zealanders capable of filling the role, said he believed Vettori had the inside running.
"Dan's done it before," Oram said after yesterday's loss. "He's been the stand-in captain when Stephen hasn't been there. Without being privy to all the information, I'd say he's the number one contender."
Vettori was also mentioned in dispatches yesterday by Fleming, who spoke cautiously about his likely replacement, mindful that coach and chief selector John Bracewell was yet to decide about his own future.
Bracewell's contract is understood to end in August, and he has refused to comment on his future.
"I think if you look at the way Daniel Vettori has been groomed, he'll come into discussions," said Fleming. "But there's going to be a lot of change in New Zealand cricket.
"I'm not sure what John Bracewell is doing or what the selectors are doing, so it's probably a little presumptuous to be making recommendations. But Daniel's done a fine job up until this point."
The 34-year left-hander gave a hint of what was to come at the start of yesterday's semifinal, when instead of leading New Zealand on to Sabina Park he followed his vice-captain, Vettori.
Fleming has been captain since 1997, when he took over from Lee Germon, and has presided over 218 ODIs, comfortably clear of Arjuna Ranatunga's previous record of 193, and third-placed Allan Border, on 178.
He was attacked in print midway through the New Zealand summer by former teammate and Herald columnist Adam Parore, but said yesterday he'd made the resignation decision months ago, and it had nothing to do with Parore's remarks or the semifinal loss to Sri Lanka.
"I've known this for some time," he said. "I've been dreaming the dream of lifting the cup and saying thanks very much, but it's not to be.
"I knew this a few months previous, even when some former players were making comments about my captaincy at home; it's been mapped out.
"I've loved the job but from a professional point of view I think it's very important that we get some fresh ideas and more enthusiasm."
Fleming is the only New Zealander to have scored more than 8000 runs in ODI cricket, and his 133 ODI catches are second only to Mohammad Azharuddin's 156,
He averages 32.78 each time he bats and believes he has a lot more to offer before thinking of putting up his feet.
"I've only just turned 34, and I think I've got some good batting years ahead. In some ways your energy levels are sapped when you're captain in both forms of the game, and this will allow me to play with a fresh mind and finish my career with some worthy numbers.
"I'm positive it's the right way to do it. It gives the guy who takes over the ODI side the chance to work in that role before taking the test reins.
"Rather than throwing someone in at the deep end, it's a gradual process."
Fleming said he hoped Bracewell would remain for another term and build on the work he had put in.
"I think he's a fine coach and that he's worked well with the side.
"He's obviously very disappointed to not make the finals but I think we all agree that there's work to be done in both forms of the game."
Stephen Fleming
ODIs: 218
Win: 98
Loss: 106
Tie: 1
No result: 13
