Stephen Fleming home after surgery (23 January 1999)

23 January 1999

Stephen Fleming home after surgery

The Christchurch Press

New Zealand cricket captain Stephen Fleming is back at home after surgery to repair his troublesome groin tendon.

Orthopaedic surgeon Paul Armour said the operation at St George's Hospital on Thursday to release the adductor longus tendon in the right groin had "gone well". The cricketer was walking without crutches.

Mr Armour confirmed that Fleming should be able to return to cricket in six weeks, indicating that the elegant left-hander would be a doubtful starter for the first test against South Africa in Auckland from February 27 to March 3.

A more likely return is the second test at home in Christchurch from March 11 to 15.

New Zealand Cricket's Communications officer Michelle Lewis said that Fleming was restricting visitors yesterday. "He's a bit sore and wants to keep to himself." Fleming, who was forced from the field during the first one-day international against India at Taupo, has had groin pain for nearly a year.

Meanwhile, there is good news for Fleming's fellow Canterbury New Zealand team-mates, batsman Nathan Astle and left-arm fast bowler Geoff Allott.

Astle will have the cast removed from his hand on Monday and hopes to be playing within two weeks.

Allott, who had been sidelined with a hamstring tear, is back training and will be available for the Shell Cup semi-finals.

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)