Stephen Fleming

Stephen Paul Fleming (born in Christchurch on April 1, 1973) is the current captain of the New Zealand cricket team, known as the Black Caps, and of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club.

Related Topics:
Christchurch - April 1 - 1973 - New Zealand - Cricket - Black Caps - Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club

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A stylish left-handed batsman, Fleming made his Test debut in 1994 against India and assumed the captaincy role during the home series against England in 1997. Known for his astute tactical abilities, he is New Zealand's most successful Test captain, having led the side to 20 victories (as of April 2004) and having won Test match series against India, England, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Affectionately referred to by fans as "Flange", Fleming was long regarded as an underperformer with the bat, with one of the worst 50-to-100 conversion ratios in world cricket. However since the 2003 tour of Sri Lanka Fleming has silenced his critics, with a glorious 274 not out against Sri Lanka - when Fleming selflessly declared rather than staying to reach 300. Since that tour, Fleming has gone on to score a century 50% of the times he has reached 50. As a fielder, Fleming has a very safe pair of hands having taken 140 catches -- the 5th highest Test aggregate for a non-wicketkeeper.

Related Topics:
Batsman - 1994 - India - England - 1997 - Test - West Indies - Sri Lanka - Bangladesh - Zimbabwe

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Fleming is often credited as being the best captain in current international cricket and, as of August 2005, had captained New Zealand in 72 test matches -- a New Zealand record and the third-highest number worldwide. He also captained the English county Nottinghamshire to County Championship victory in 2005, the first Championship title for the club in 18 years.

Related Topics:
Nottinghamshire - County Championship - 2005

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http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/STATS/TESTS/INDIVIDUAL/TEST_CAPTAIN_APPEARANCES.html.

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