274 or 134? Fleming can't separate them

From the Otago Daily Times, 1 May 2003

New Zealand cricket captain Stephen Fleming still does not rate his marathon unbeaten test innings of 274 ahead of his blistering World Cup century against South Africa.

Fleming, having taken a few days to digest his 11-hour epic in the just-completed first test against Sri Lanka, struggled to single it out as his best knock.

Soon after his match-winning 134 not out against South Africa in Johannesburg in February he rated it "my proudest day on a cricket pitch", and he was not necessarily reviewing that stance this week.

"I can't separate them. I like them both for completely different reasons," Fleming said.

"I loved the pressure scenario of the South Africa innings. We were up against it. But also here, because test cricket means everything to me."

Fleming conceded he was on more of a high after the World Cup innings, a dazzling display of stroke play which led New Zealand to victory after the host had racked up 306.

This week's innings was at times a painful grind and needed immense concentration in the heat and humidity, along with the constant threat of the world's best spinner, Muttiah Muralitharan.

Fleming kept Muralitharan out for 89 overs in the drawn match.

"The one-day game creates more emotion. It's quicker and there's a lot more adrenaline involved," Fleming said.

"I guess that one gives you more immediate relief but this one will give me more reflective glory for sure."

Fleming's innings of 274 not out and 69 not out here, saw him pass Martin Crowe's New Zealand test record run tally of 329, and raised his test average to 38.93 from 74 tests.