By RICHARD BOOCK
Captain-under-fire Stephen Fleming conceded yesterday that his confidence had taken a hit from New Zealand's dreadful run of form this season, but he wants to continue in the role - for now.
The country's most successful international cricket captain is feeling the heat after New Zealand slumped to their ninth loss in the past 10 one-day internationals, leaving them teetering on the edge of their fourth consecutive series defeat.
To make matters worse as he approaches today's third one-day international against Sri Lanka at Eden Park, Fleming has been unable to last more than five balls in his past two innings, having fallen leg-before in the series opener at Napier, and to a catch at the wicket in Saturday's second match at Wellington.
The double-whammy continues a lean run of one-dayer form for the left-hander this season, and has been one of the contributing factors to New Zealand's dire predicament in the five-match series, in which they already trail 0-2.
"I've got to be honest, when you're not contributing much, it [the pressure] does have an effect - of course it's going to affect your confidence," Fleming said.
"It does become draining, but on the other hand it's a challenge, and the spur to keep you going - but for how much longer who knows?
"As far as I'm concerned, you've got to keep reviewing your position as a batsman and as a captain, and it's something that's always under constant review."
Fleming has a borderline respectable one-day batting record for a No 3 batsman, but has struggled for productivity this season particularly, his form deserting him as he battled to save New Zealand's injury-ravaged side from complete collapse.
Since August 20, 2000 - when New Zealand played their first ODI of the present season in Singapore - the 27-year-old has mustered just 359 runs at 22.43, passing 50 only twice in 17 innings, and registering half of his six career ducks.
Without doubt one of New Zealand's few international-class batsmen, Fleming's importance at the batting crease has seemed to be overshadowed by his duty to re-shape a dramatically altered team, and his subsequent one-day form can at best be described as sketchy.
"They were just two cricket dismissals," he said of the Napier and Wellington failures.
"I was obviously very disappointed, but if I were getting out for 15 and 20 I'd probably be more concerned.
"Your confidence still suffers, though. I want to be the person who helps to build the foundation for the innings. As captain I'm preaching all the time about being the one who goes on to get 80 or 100 not out, so when you don't contribute it's doubly frustrating."
If anything, Sri Lanka might be a shade stronger today, with experienced left-arm paceman Chaminda Vaas expected to be available for selection after a prolonged lay-off with a groin strain. However, whether the tourists will bother to call him back after winning their past three one-day internationals without him will be an interesting decision, particularly as the Eden Park pitch again threatens to offer more to the seamers than the spinners.
"I think they're bowling pretty well anyway," Fleming said. "He [Vaas] is obviously a good bowler, but I don't think it's going to be much different to what we've already faced. They've been pretty much on the mark all series."
Cricket: Skipper Fleming's confidence takes a plunge
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.