Notts pull off Fleming coup

English Second Division Champions Nottinghamshire have sealed the signing of New Zealand's Stephen Fleming as captain for the 2005 county season, replacing ex-Lancashire opener Jason Gallian in the Trent Bridge role, who himself signed a new deal.

Fleming, who has made 5,335 Test runs and 6,428 in ODIs with 13 centuries and 72 fifties over both forms, is widely rated as the best International captain in the world, and credited with the recent strong performance of the Kiwi side.

Having completed short stints in England with Yorkshire and Middlesex recently, he replaces Stuart MacGill alongside David Hussey as the Outlaws' second overseas star saying, "I enjoyed my previous experience of county cricket and have harboured an ambition to captain a leading English county team.

"The club has developed strong links with New Zealand cricket with Sir Richard Hadlee, Chris Cairns, Daniel Vettori and Nathan Astle having all previously played for them."

Jason Gallian, Fleming's predecessor as captain at Trent Bridge, has no hard feelings and himself has signed a new deal that will keep him at the county until 2008, commenting, "As he is arguably the best captain in world cricket, I offered to step down.

"I have a good few years left and I am sure that I will learn something playing alongside a player of his capability."

Nottinghamshire's Director of Cricket, former wicketkeeper Michael Newell, claimed with justification that "It is a real coup for Nottinghamshire to sign the world's leading captain and one of the best batsmen. We have built a squad which can be one of the most competitive teams in the country next season.

"Stephen will bring fresh ideas and challenges to our players and will demand international level standards of performance which will help bring out the very best in both our young players and those aspiring for international honours."

Posted by Neil