Fleming 'leans towards Wellington"

From the Press, 4 August 2000

Canterbury cricket is resigned to losing Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming to Wellington.

Canterbury Cricket Association chief executive Tony Murdoch returned yesterday from Wellington, where Fleming's position was discussed with his agent David Howman.

"Stephen's leaning towards being in Wellington at present, in my opinion," Murdoch said.

An announcement is expected before the Black Caps leave for Singapore on August 20.

Murdoch reiterated that there was no bidding war with Wellington for his services. "It's purely and simply a lifestyle thing. I hope he will return in time," Murdoch said of Fleming, who first represented Canterbury in 1991-92.

Canterbury coach Garry MacDonald is also resigned to losing Fleming.

MacDonald said there was a sense of inevitability about the New Zealand captain's switch.

Fleming has been living in Wellington with partner Kelly Payne since the end of last season.

MacDonald said when he last spoke to Fleming "some weeks ago" the issue of where he played his future first-class cricket was not a high priority.

"It is Flem's business - if he goes, he goes with our blessing," MacDonald said.

"I haven't given up hope of him staying with us, but it is looking likely he'll go."

MacDonald said if any provincial team in New Zealand could afford to lose a player of Fleming's calibre, it was Canterbury.

However, his input with the younger players would be missed. "He batted with Jarrod Englefield last season and it was a huge learning curve for Jarrod. Those things you can't replace."