Chris Cairns: Tireless Flem now one of the very best

COMMENT


The most pleasing aspect of the test leg of the tour of Bangladesh has been the efficient way the Black Caps have dismantled this weak test nation. Led from the front by captain Stephen Fleming and vice-captain Daniel Vettori, the Black Caps have allowed themselves a feel-good factor before heading to their next series - Australia in Australia.

Luckily, I arrived a day before the other members of the one-day party and saw our captain score his hundred on the first day of the second test. More importantly, I witnessed a milestone that will not be surpassed for some time to come. He now sits atop the list of New Zealand's leading run scorers in test matches.

When he first began playing back in the early 1990s, I witnessed a player who was a naturally gifted batsman. Free-flowing, wristy and attacking, over time he has made changes to his technique and temperament. Today we see a polished performer up there with the best in the world.

I'm so happy he is our leading run scorer, he really deserves it. A tireless worker at training, he sets the example to all. I'm sure there's a lot more runs in him and coming into his prime we are about to see his best. Good on you, mate.

Pleasing also is Dan Vettori's contribution. I said in this column that new responsibility could well lift Dan's game, as I felt he'd gone a bit stale. Coming here and getting results is just the tonic he needed, and coach John Bracewell should be applauded for making the appointment.

While we can't read too much into this series, it's important to acknowledge good performances at international level. This series also gives the guys confidence before heading to Australia.

Once the test match has been completed, it will be into one-day mode and I predict the one-day series will go along the same lines as the test series. There are five players coming in to the one-day side in myself, Craig McMillan, Chris Harris, newcomer Peter Fulton from Canterbury and a return for Andre Adams.

I am an Adams fan as I think he is a dynamic player. At the end of last season I remember talking to him as he had not received a New Zealand Cricket contract and felt unsure about his future. To his credit, he packed up his young family and headed to England to play club cricket.

From there he picked up a county contract and was called back in to the Black Caps during the NatWest series in England. Now with his recall to Bangladesh he has come back stronger and I'm sure more determined.

By not feeling sorry for himself and getting off his backside Andre has made things work in his favour. He will be a better player for it.


- THE HERALD ON SUNDAY