Fleming tests pain barrier at the Basin

By Richard Boock
From the New Zealand Herald, 12 December 2003

Stephen Fleming's test availability will hinge on his ability to get through the match between Wellington and Canterbury, which starts at the Basin Reserve today.

Sidelined since the middle of last month with an abdominal concern, Fleming is still unclear about the exact nature of the injury.

He has opted to play in the four-dayer to test his fitness.

New Zealand Cricket specialists believe the discomfort felt by Fleming could be from a possible hernia but have cleared him to play, apparently on the basis that the injury will either become more identifiable, or more tolerable.

"I'll look to play," Fleming said yesterday.

"The surgeon said there may be a hernia or a problem down the track but that at the moment, it's not bad enough to warrant surgery.

"So I either I blow it out and find something definitive, or I get through with cortisone or whatever I need."

There has also been speculation that Fleming, who has a history of abdominal and groin complaints, may be suffering from a stress fracture of the pelvic bone.

Fleming said the pain was a sharp, stitch-like sensation near his hip, but that he did not feel any discomfort unless he was running.

"It's just when I run, really," he said.

"There were times earlier on when it was difficult to play certain shots but that's not the case now, so maybe there has been a small degree of improvement.

"But the main problem for me is running.

"I can turn, bend and jump without too much problem but I still haven't got much confidence in my running."

If Fleming is unable to finish the match and is subsequently ruled out of the first test, starting in Hamilton next Friday, Chris Cairns will almost certainly take over the reins.

Cairns captained the side in Pakistan this month, acted as stand-in for Fleming in last year's VB Series and seems odds-on to fill the role for the first time in a test next week, should he be required.

On Sunday, coach and chief selector John Bracewell will name his first squad since taking the position.

He may be forced to look for new blood straight away, given the unavailability of Nathan Astle and Shane Bond.

Bracewell said it was a case of touch and go with Fleming's fitness.

"The specialist has advised that Stephen should play for Wellington in order for us to determine how the injury responds," he said.

"How he copes in that match will give us a clear indication of whether or not he is fit enough to be considered for test selection."