Cricket: Fleming backs battling Bangladeshis

CHITTAGONG - Fledgling test cricket nation Bangladesh have received a vote of support from New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming on the eve of the second test starting in Chittagong today.

The hosts have struggled since their introduction to the test arena in 2000, losing 28 matches in 31 outings - 18 by an innings - with the most recent flogging by an innings and 99 runs coming from New Zealand.

With another big win for the tourists expected, Fleming has weighed in with some muted support for the battlers, just when their test status is being questioned

On his arrival a fortnight ago, Fleming said Bangladesh were at the crossroads and while groups within were growing impatient, it was important to allow Bangladesh time to develop.

"My perception of where they're at ... they have the talent. However, from getting constantly beaten the confidence must take a hammering," he said.

"I'm in favour of giving them a bit of time, but you have to understand where they're at.

"They have to be realistic and start taking steps forward.


"When they do play positively they can put a bit of pressure on, but they can't sustain it at this stage."

Fleming felt Bangladesh's best chances of securing a coveted test victory, which would send most of the 140 million people of this cricket-crazy nation into delirium, could come in their two-test home series against fellow-strugglers Zimbabwe in January.

Zimbabwe cricket has been torn apart after the withdrawal of most of their white players and accusations of racism within the sport's governing body.

Fleming also gave cautious approval to the International Cricket Council's recent initiative to give Bangladesh and Zimbabwe just home test series, while incorporating them into the international A series.

"I could understand the logic behind that suggestion, but the logistics are not perhaps as easy," Fleming said, in a reference to an already congested international playing calendar.

Looking towards the second test at MA Aziz Stadium, Fleming said the Black Caps were unsure whether to mimic their approach in the first test and bowl first if he won the toss.

"It seemed to work well in the last test, even though there was only a little bit of assistance in the pitch.

"Bowling first gives your bowlers a break in-between, whereas if you bat first and the other team bowl well to restrict you, it could be hard work in the field over two days.

"If there's a hint of any seam movement in the morning we may take that to try to repeat the formula as we did in the first test."

The pitch is expected to be harder and bouncier than the Dhaka surface, which saw spin dominate.

The New Zealand 12 were to be named overnight, with the final X1 not to be confirmed until just before play starts.


The teams

NEW ZEALAND (from): Stephen Fleming (c), Mathew Sinclair, Mark Richardson, Scott Styris, Nathan Astle, Hamish Marshall, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Paul Wiseman, Ian Butler, Chris Martin, Kyle Mills.

BANGLADESH (from): Khaled Mashud (c), Rajin Saleh, Javed Omar, Mohammad Ashraful, Nafees Iqbal, Manjural Islam Rana, Tareq Aziz, Mushfiqur Rahman, Aftab Ahmed, Alok Kapali, Tapash Baisya, Mohammad Rafique, Enamul Haque Junior.


- NZPA