Captains at odds over testy moments

By Jonathan Millmow
From Stuff, 1 March 2004

Rival captains Stephen Fleming and Graeme Smith were at odds last night after numerous testy moments during New Zealand's historic one-day series win at Eden Park.

There were four confrontations on the pitch and possibly numerous others that went undetected from the sideline, with the most notable an exchange of words between the skippers at the resumption after the tea break.

"I was just sharing some captaincy thoughts about the game with Graeme, which are mutually beneficial, I think," Fleming said.

However, later at the same post-match interview he appeared to tire at some of the excuses Smith has been trotting out, one of which was bemoaning the fact South Africa lost four overs for a rain break during their chase.

"I'm not intelligent enough to keep analysing all the things he is bringing up," Fleming said.

"It is a case of we deal with what is there. Chasing is historically the way to go here and when you've only got 33 overs it is a bit of an advantage."

Fleming played down the war of words between Smith and his players Brendon McCullum and Kyle Mills. He said McCullum and Smith were simply "sharing thoughts about the game" while he was unaware of Mills' involvement.

"Kyle is an entertainer, as we've seen for the last couple of games," Fleming said, in reference to Mills' close shaves when bowling at the death.

Match referee Gundappa Viswanath said no player had been cited by the umpires. For his part, Smith ducked the issue.

"You better ask Stephen Fleming," he said.

"I'm not getting involved in this."

The spiteful moments failed to overshadow New Zealand's history making win, which Fleming was thrilled about.

"It means a massive amount to us. The test series victory would mean a little more, which is an opportunity for us.

"We are still very realistic about what we need to do but we are elated about this because we respect South Africa hugely.

"They've had the wood on us for so long so that adds to the elation. To come back now to win the series with four in a row is fantastic."

Smith said South Africa would treat tomorrow's dead rubber seriously.