<p>As 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. </p>.<p><br />“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. <br /><br />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.” <br /><br />“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.”</p>.<p><br />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.”<br /><br />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.<br /><br /> “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.’”<br /><br />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. </p>
<p>As 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. </p>.<p><br />“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. <br /><br />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.” <br /><br />“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.”</p>.<p><br />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.”<br /><br />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.<br /><br /> “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.’”<br /><br />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. </p>
