Cricket: Fleming finds silver lining

By RICHARD BOOCK at the World Cup

New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming hasn't any regrets about the decision not to play in Kenya, even though it might cost his team a place in the tournament's second round.

The consequences of New Zealand Cricket's refusal to send the team to Nairobi were starting to bite in this week, as Fleming's side considered one of their more difficult draws in World Cup history, along with the knowledge that they would effectively start their campaign in arrears.

The World Cup has usually provided a tough enough challenge for the New Zealanders, given they are yet to progress pass the semifinal stage. But the equation has become far more awkward since the decision over Nairobi.

NZC is still holding discussions with organisers over a possible re-scheduling of the game against Kenya, but all signs point to their case receiving another rebuff - just as England's argument about playing in Zimbabwe was thrown out at the weekend.

There has been no word yet on whether NZC will officially ask for the Kenya match to be rescheduled, and nothing has changed in terms of its stance on the issue - which holds that the security and safety risks are too high.

Fleming had earlier pleaded for the decision over Kenya to be made by NZC rather than the players, and said yesterday that he had no regrets that the eventual call would seriously jeopardise his side's chances of qualifying for the Super Six.

"The forfeiture of the points is a disappointing aspect of the issue but what the players appreciate is that, first and foremost, NZC put our safety and welfare first. Given the various financial and other pressures these days, that's something that doesn't often happen.

"We're grateful that the decision was made for the right reasons - as NZC saw it, so we weren't disappointed at all in terms of how we were represented. We really appreciated the decision they made."

In contrast to Fleming's experience, the England players found themselves at the mercy of an indecisive administration, who initially pooh-poohed their concerns before later acknowledging the dangers and requesting for their match to be transferred.

NZC had possibly more reason to bend, considering its limited financial resources, and the fact that it has only recently emerged from a long and expensive pay dispute with the New Zealand Players' Association.

Not only is its decision likely to cost the team in terms of their cup campaign, but it is also risking financial penalties from disgruntled cup organisers, not to mention the more vague threat of litigation from out-of-pocket stakeholders.

"That must have made it an even harder decision and all I can say is that, from a players' point of view, we were grateful that NZC refused to compromise our safety," Fleming said.

"We received a lot of information about the situation and were given the opportunity to educate ourselves on the situation, which was first-class. So, while we're all disappointed about maybe losing four points, we rest easy knowing that our safety was seen as paramount."

He said knowing they would start the race off a four-point handicap had lifted intensity in the camp.

"The situation has meant we've sharpened up on what we have to do in the tournament; it's pretty clear now for us. But if you want to be the world champs you've got to win most of your games anyway, so very little's changed in that regard."

Fleming said the New Zealand side were probably better than many people realised, and were capable of going where no other New Zealand cup side had gone before.

"We hear that we're dark horses - black beauties; but I think we're probably a bit better than that," he said. "We used to enjoy the tag but I think our ability is greater now and if we start the tournament well, we'll be a genuine threat."

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