Pressure has lifted my game, says Stephen Fleming (24 October 1998)

24 October 1998

Pressure has lifted my game, says Stephen Fleming

By Rabeed Imam

When Stephen Fleming made his debut in cricket as a rookie 19-year old during the 1993-94 season, he was hailed as the next great New Zealand batsman after the legendary Glenn Turner, Geoff Howarth and Martin Crowe. The graceful left-hander did not let those down who believed in him. Although there was some brief struggles along the way, Fleming,staying true to the class he possesses, has emerged as one of the leading batsmen of the world today. The New Zealand cricket's hierarchy showed their faith in the Canterbury southpaw by appointing him captain in 1997.

'Flemo', when on song, is a cricket lovers delight. His style of play can be best described with the following words - 'lazy elegance.'He is never boring to watch. He is at his best when standing tall and driving specially through the off side. Fleming is a brilliant fielder particularly at slips.

A refreshing character, the New Zealand captain had a brief chat with the Daily Star Sport at his hotel lobby on his return from a Pepsi promotional show.

Daily Star Sport: This is your first visit to Bangladesh. How have things gone so far?

Stephen Fleming: Very good I must say. We had a match yesterday. In the afternoon we are scheduled to practice at the national stadium.Everything is going well. I'm very happy.

DSS: How was the practice match at BKSP?

SF: It was OK. It served our purpose. The facilities were good.Looked-after very well.

DSS: How are you looking forward to tomorrow's game against Zimbabwe and for that matter, the tournament?

SF: Really looking forward to it. Obviously all the teams here are under extreme pressure. However It's easier to approach a tournament when you're not a favourite.It will be a tough game tomorrow.

DSS: Your team is a youthful one and in one-day situations,you are is always a force to reckon with.do you think New Zealand are capable of winning the Wills Cup?

SF: You're right. This is a young team and may be a little short in experience. But you only need two or three players to stand out and you can win a one-day game. We have the players to do that,it's only a matter of doing it on the day.We are certainly confident.

DSS: Did you have good preparations before embarking on this trip?

SF: Yes, we spent a week Australia where we played New South Wales.The facilities were good. It was good preparation.

DSS: Are you satisfied with your form? What can we expect from you in this tournament?

SF: My form has been good.I've been hitting the ball pretty well.Looking forward to some runs in this soil.

DSS: You became captain at a very young age and there was a lot of pressure on you at that time. How are you dealing with it at the moment?

SF: I think it is more effective now.Oviously when I took over as captain, I was very young. I didn't have a lot of experience in the job.It was a great challenge for me and I really enjoyed it. But 22 months down the track,the pressure on me to deliver and getting things right is more, and that pressure probably has lifted my game. I have to be more aware of my responsibility these days.

DSS: What do you expect from from your players?

SF: Well I just tell them to concentrate on their basics without curbing their natural abilities.You can't tell players of the calibre of Astle and McMillan not to play their natural game but you have to get your basics right.

DSS: The absence of Chris Cairns has definitely weakened your side. How do you plan to cover it?

SF: You can't replace a world class all-rounder like Cairns so we have to make up in other areas.We are a team equipped with all-round abilities and we are a fine fielding side.Its just that the senior players have to take the onus of doing the job. It's a matter of personal responsibility.

DSS: Can you tell us something about the players who will be making their debut in this tournament?

SF: One is Matthew Bell, a right handed opener. Very compact,very organised. He has been through the academy process in New Zealand. You'll hear a lot of him in near future.

DSS: Do you have any idea regarding Bangladesh cricket?

SF: Well they toured New Zealand last year and I saw a bit of them. They have the promise it seems but probably lacks confidence.

Source :: The Bangladesh Daily Star (https://www.dailystarnews.com)