New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming may be doubtful for the first Test against England starting at Lord's on May 20.

Fleming has been troubled by a groin injury since November and has been rested for the four-day tour match against Kent beginning on Thursday.

"I'm fairly concerned. We're not risking him in this match to give him every chance of playing in the Test," coach John Bracewell told the New Zealand Press Association.

Fleming was named his country's player of the year last month with New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden describing him as the "premier captain in international cricket."

In 16 Test innings during the 2003-04 season, Fleming scored 732 runs at an average of 56.31.

New Zealand's tour of England, which ends in July, includes three Tests and a tri-series also involving West Indies.