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Fleming named skipper for Pakistan Test

December 14, 2003 16:36 IST

Injury-doubt Stephen Fleming was on Sunday named captain of the New Zealand team for this week's first Test against Pakistan in Hamilton.

Fleming had been in doubt owing to a slow-healing abdominal strain he picked up in India, which was at one stage thought to be a hernia, but was passed fit to play domestic match this weekend.

Coach John Bracewell, who announced the team, said Fleming had reported no problems with the injury.

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"We

are optimistic that he will be ready to captain the side on Friday and we will do everything that we can to ensure that happens," Bracewell said.

Bracewell added that should Fleming fail to report fit for the start of the Test on December 19 then Chris Cairns will captain the side in his first Test for almost two years.

The selectors have named 13 players to allow for the Fleming situation and also giving the option of two spinners, with left-armer Daniel Vettori and off-spinner Paul Wiseman both included.

Pakistan are to play two Tests and five one-day internationals in New Zealand.

Team:
Stephen Fleming (captain),
Ian Butler,
Chris Cairns,
Robbie Hart,
Richard Jones,
Craig McMillan,
Jacob Oram,
Mark Richardson,
Scott Styris,
Daryl Tuffey,
Daniel Vettori,
Lou Vincent,
Paul Wiseman.

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