JOIN USAs New Zealand get ready to co-host the ICC Cricket World Cup with Australia next year, former skipper Stephen Fleming feels the Kiwis have a strong chance of going the full distance.
“Three years ago, we organised the Rugby World Cup successfully and the country is all set to host another big sporting event. It is a great opportunity for New Zealand to showcase its potential and I am confident we will deliver,” said Fleming who was in the city for an interactive session with the students of IIM Bangalore to highlight the education offerings of New Zealand.
When asked to pick players from the New Zealand side who will play a crucial role in the World Cup, he said, “I believe Brendom McCllum and Ross Taylor will be key to New Zealand’s success.”
“We have a good chance since we are playing in our own backyard. The seaming conditions are bound to help us and I believe we have a better chance than India.”
Talking about the cricketing relations between the two countries, Fleming said, “India and New Zealand share a good relation. The style of play is similar. Unlike the Aussies who possess an ‘on the face attitude’, we are more reserved and happy with what we have.”
Fleming also went down memory lane to recollect a humorous incident involving him and former Indian pacer Javagal Srinath. “If I am not wrong, it was in the year 2000 when India was touring New Zealand. On a windy day in Wellington, Javagal Srinath was enjoying his spell thanks to the conditions suiting the bowlers well, unlike in India. He bowled a solid bouncer and the ball brushed the grill of the helmet. It was a close shave and that got me pumped.
“To add more spice to the battle, Srinath began sledging after every other ball and I barely understood his English. I was the captain and I felt I have all the reasons to mouth a few strong words back to him. As I approached him, Srinath said, ‘Fleming, I was just enquiring if you are feeling alright after the bouncer. May be due to the strong wind you couldn’t hear me properly.’”
With Indian skipper M S Dhoni coming under criticism for his dismal overseas record, Fleming, who is the coach of the Chennai Super Kings, called his CSK captain a fighter.