Fleming stays as New Zealand captain

New Zealand's cricket selectors reaffirmed support for embattled captain Stephen Fleming on Monday as they named an unchanged squad for the first two limited-over matches against touring Pakistan.

Chairman of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee said Fleming had felt the pressure of the poor results and had been reviewing his position as captain.

"He has confirmed this morning that he would like to continue in the role. The selectors are very pleased with his decision as we believe he is the best man for the job," Hadlee said in a statement.

He said the panel had supported Fleming through the recent series against Sri Lanka and had encouraged him to continue in that role.

Before Sunday's 13-run victory against Sri Lanka, the New Zealand teams led by Fleming had won only one of the 12 previous one-day internationals, leading to media speculation that he might be replaced. New Zealand lost the Sri Lanka series 4-1.

"It was heartening to see the new young players who have been selected -- Jacob Oram, Daryl Tuffey, James Franklin, and Lou Vincent -- all make significant contributions to the victory," Hadlee said.

Pakistan's tour of New Zealand includes five one-day internationals and three Test matches.

All rounder Nathan Astle was named in the squad, having recovered from the stomach complaint that forced him to withdraw from the final match against Sri Lanka at short notice.

Hadlee said the panel had resisted calls for change.

"The selectors believe there has been enough change and we have every confidence that these are the best 12 players."

The New Zealand squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Adam Parore, Roger Twose, Craig McMillan, Chris Harris, Jacob Oram, Lou Vincent, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Daryl Tuffey, Chris Martin.

Mail Cricket Editor