Fleming might sit out one-day series

Stephen Fleming: 'It's annoying but it's one of the things about touring and playing a lot of cricket' © Getty Images

Stephen Fleming, New Zealand's captain, is considering missing the forthcoming NatWest Series in a bid to overcome his persistent injury problems.

Fleming has been plagued by a hip-flexor injury since last November and despite a series of cortisone injections, he has still not regained full fitness. If he sits out the triangular one-day series - the other sides are England and West Indies - then he hopes that a two-month lay-off will enable him to return rejuvenated for the Champions Trophy in September.

"I've got enough in me to get through the Test series then monitor it from there," he told the New Zealand Herald. "It's still around, it's annoying but it's one of the things about touring and playing a lot of cricket." To add to Fleming's woes, last week he was laid low by an ear infection which only just cleared in time for him to play ay Headingley.

One obstacle to Fleming going home is New Zealand's chronic injury crisis. Shane Bond is already on his way home - Northern Districts fast bowler Ian Butler has been summoned as his replacement - Michael Papps and Craig McMillan have broken bones, Jacon Oram's side strain means he cannot bowl, and Daniel Vettori could miss the remainder of the tour with a bad hamstring tear.

The New Zealand management said that no decision had been made regarding Fleming but that his going home remained "an option".