Fleming retires from ODI cricket

Stephen Fleming announced today that he has retired from One-Day International cricket but will continue as a Test player.

“I am fully committed to the Black Caps and New Zealand Cricket but feel that the time is right for me to retire from the One-Day game,” Fleming said.

“While I would have wished to remain captain of the Test team, I can also understand why the selectors prefer to have a single captain for the Test, One-Day and Twenty20 teams.

“I hold Daniel Vettori in high regard and will support him fully in his transition as Test captain.

“The tour to South Africa will be a real challenge. No New Zealand team has ever won a Test series there and I am looking forward to the tour.

“I shall continue playing Tests as long as I have the desire and skills required to contribute. However, it is likely that the coming New Zealand summer will be my last home series.”

NZC CEO Justin Vaughan paid tribute to Stephen’s tremendous career as a One-Day captain and player.

“Stephen has an outstanding record, leading the Black Caps to 98 ODI wins from 218 games over the past 10 years. Stephen played 279 ODIs for the Black Caps, scoring 8007 runs, the highest of any New Zealand batsman.

“Stephen is currently our leading Test batsman and we hope he will play a significant role for the Black Caps for many series to come.”

“It will obviously be a major step for Stephen to play in a non-captaincy role. For him to accept the selectors’ decision graciously and to remain committed to New Zealand Cricket is a true measure of his character.

“True leadership is more than just the title of captain. Stephen is a true professional. He cares about the team and I am sure he will be a big help to Daniel and remain a leader within the Black Caps.

“It is likely that this will be Stephen’s last home season with the Black Caps and we will ensure that it is memorable and befits our greatest ever captain,” Vaughan said.

“I see Stephen having an involvement with NZC beyond the end of his playing career, whenever that may be, capitalising on his international reputation as well as his leadership skills.”

New Zealand Cricket Media Release