Fleming ruled out of tour of Pakistan

Stephen Fleming, the New Zealand captain, will not be available for New Zealand's tour of Pakistan starting next week. He returned home ahead of the main body of the team to be assessed for a lower abdominal strain.

New Zealand Cricket's medical co-ordinator Warren Frost said today that Fleming had been examined by NZC doctor Rob Campbell. "Stephen requires physiotherapy treatment and rest over the next three weeks to help ensure he is fit for Pakistan's tour of New Zealand next month," Frost said. "He will not be ready for the tour to Pakistan."

The Black Caps team to make the tour is expected to be announced on Friday. It had been expected to be named tomorrow, but the selectors may be waiting to look at some Auckland players who are involved in a match with the New Zealand Academy Selection at Lincoln before making their choice.