Cricket: Fleming leaving Nottinghamshire

Stephen Fleming has decided not to return to Nottinghamshire for the 2008 English county cricket season, the club said today.

The New Zealand test skipper led the side to the County Championship title in 2005, their first for 18 years, but opted not to return to Trent Bridge next year with the team on the verge of promotion back to division one.

"Fleming has been a terrific captain for us and if I can bring half of his leadership skills to the side then I'll be happy," said wicketkeeper Chris Read who has been named Fleming's successor to the captaincy.

Fleming is one of several experienced New Zealand cricketers whose names have been linked to the rebel Twenty/20 cricket league in India which is expected to start next month.

- NZPA