Stephen Fleming is pushing the quality-over-quantity theory as he eyes New Zealand's make-or-break Champions Trophy one-dayer against Australia on Thursday. Having accounted for the United States in record-breaking, but almost laughable fashion at the weekend, the New Zealand side are faced with having to beat their long-time nemesis to progress throughto the tournament semifinal. Fleming's side have lost their past six successive ODIs against Australia, dating back to their VB Series match at Melbourne in January 2002, and the majority of the bowling attack are yet to taste their first success. Allrounder Jacob Oram, who took five wickets during New Zealand's 210-run victory on Saturday, has been in the losing side in all five matches he's played against Australia, and Daryl Tuffey is still waiting for his first win after four games, as are Kyle Mills and Ian Butler. However, with New Zealand impressing during their triumph in the recent NatWest tri-series, and with 10 consecutive wins under their belt after the arrival of coach John Bracewell, there is a thought that Thursday's contest might be closer than previous results. Fleming is clearly rating his side's chances of reversing the trend against Australia, but has cautioned against the notion that endless training sessions and saturation practice will make much difference.
