Cricket: Fleming uncertain about facing Australia

5.00pm - By CHRIS BARCLAY

The good news is Stephen Fleming sneaked his "how to combat Australia" game plan through customs at Sydney Airport.

The bad news is the inspirational New Zealand cricket captain is still no cast iron certainty to personally impose his blueprint in this week's first test at the 'Gabba.

Fleming was today guarded about his chances of playing in Brisbane on Thursday and will only make a final decision, in conjunction with the medical staff, the day before the toss.

The problem is Fleming has been sleeping soundly - up to 20 hours a day - despite the Black Caps' wretched start to their tour - the four day match against New South Wales resulted in a nine wicket loss today.

A mystery virus picked up in Bangladesh still lingers, though Fleming said he was willing to play if he was 75-80 per cent fit.

"A number of our players haven't experienced a test match in Australia, that's why it's important to get back," said Fleming, who has captained New Zealand in 63 of his 87 tests.

"I'll leave it pretty late. I'll give (coach) John (Bracewell) and the team an honest indication all the way through.

"I would expect the team will know the day before the test."

As a precaution, Craig McMillan will travel to Brisbane tomorrow with the team.

Fleming, who has not played since the second test against Bangladesh last month, had a 15-minute net in Wellington on Friday to shake off the cobwebs.

"I was a lot more comfortable after completing that," he said.

"It was seven days doing nothing so I was pretty nervous but I came away pretty good.

"I'm getting better every day.

"I'll train today and have a rest day tomorrow and then look to train pretty hard.

"It's the mental side you lose when you're down and out and I have to make sure I'm right to lead the side."

Fleming fell ill during the Chittagong test and is no closer to identifying the cause of his malaise.

"It was nothing more than dehydration then I got home and it was unbelievable fatigue -- 20 hours a day sort of sleep, I couldn't keep the eyes open.

"It sounds like a good illness to have but it was pretty debilitating. We're no closer to finding out what it was."

Mercifully, New Zealand's leading run scorer was confident he would be on hand to help reconstruct the Black Caps after their dismal outing at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

"I think the chances are pretty good.

"A lot depends on how well I practice, if I'm awake three hours later that's a good sign."

Fleming has spent every waking hour plotting Australia's downfall and he readily admits the task is more challenging than his last visit here in the 2001-02 season.

"I've had a lot of time to think about it but it comes down to skill.

"You can talk tactics and throw fields here and there, the bottom line is it's a skill factor. We have to put Australia under pressure.

"Once you put them under pressure it's sustaining that."

There was little evidence of his mantra over the last three and a bit days at the SCG, with Fleming acknowledging his side's prospects of footing it with the world champions was hardly enhanced on the strength of their performance against a side missing Australian representatives Simon Katich and Michael Clarke.

"It was a pretty typical tour opener when you come to Australia. First class cricket in Australia leads the way.

"You're almost playing another test when you play a state side. It's a tough challenge and we obviously haven't responded that well. It's obviously not ideal.

"As captain, I've got concerns, the team's got concerns, but I'm extremely excited about the opportunity (to play Australia).

"One on one we're no match for Australia but we've always been at our best when we've got that team dynamic."

Fleming said if he misses the test he still expected to play a significant role.

"I'd like to think it will be a strong one. I've been in the position of gathering information in the last week and a half before I hit the sack - it did give me the opportunity to gain some information to give to John.

"I feel I can be a major player even if I don't get to play."

- NZPA