Mixed Week For New Zealand

New Zealand were easily defeated by nine wickets by New South Wales in a warm-up match in Australia, but received a welcome boost when captain Stephen Fleming said he is likely to be fit for the first Test.

Skipper Fleming missed the One Day Internationals against Bangladesh and the first tour match in Australia with a virus that has seen him laid up in bed and sleeping for up to 20 hours a day.

However despite this Fleming is still very hopeful he will be able to lead his side in Brisbane, saying that if he was at least 75-80% fit he would be on the team sheet, however Fleming went onto to say "I will leave it pretty late, but I will give (coach) John (Bracewell) and the team pretty honest indications the entire way through."

"A lot depends on how I practice. Not so much the quality of how I practice but the fatigue through practice and how I feel two or three hours after."

Fleming led New Zealand to a draw in their previous series in Australia and feels his knowledge of Australian conditions could be crucial, especially on this occasion where he will be leading a relatively inexperienced side as "A number of our players haven't experienced a test match in Australia, that's why, being an experienced player over here, it was important to get back but I would not jeopardise (the team) if I was not right." add Fleming.

Posted by Richard