Fleming back to open in Tests

Stephen Fleming is likely to open in Tests again © AFP

The New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is likely to return to the top of the batting order for the forthcoming Tests against Australia, according to the New Zealand Herald. His move follows Mark Richardson's retirement last month.

Fleming, 31, opens regularly in one-day internationals, and also did so in the Test series against England in 2004. But when New Zealand toured Bangladesh and Australia at the end of last year, Fleming dropped to give the middle order stability - it is heavy with aggressive run-getters. Michael Papps and Jamie How, who has done well in New Zealand domestic cricket, have also been linked with joining Mathew Sinclair at the top of the order.

"It may well be that the best option for the team is to have Stephen opening again, and if that's the case then I'd have no qualms about changing it around," said John Bracewell, New Zealand's coach. "I guess the main issue is whether it's wise to be throwing a rookie or a relatively unproven opener in against new-ball bowlers such as Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee. All situations change, and Mark Richardson's retirement will definitely mean a reassessment," he added. "I haven't had a chance to talk with anyone about it yet, but I'd imagine that we may have to consider different priorities on this occasion, and Flem might come right back into the calculations."