Fleming hits unbeaten century in New Zealand opener

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming led by example with an unbeaten century as the touring side made 297 for eight on the first day of their Australian tour opener against the Queensland Academy of Sport on Tuesday.

Fleming, who made 133 not out, punished the young Academy attack by hitting 102 runs in boundaries as he lifted the tourists from 83 for four, with opener Mark Richardson providing the other early resistance with 40.

Fleming, with a reputation in test matches of failing to build major scores, was always in control against the Academy, whose decision to field seemed to have paid off when the tourists slumped from 69 for one.

The 28-year-old was in touch from the beginning, backing up his comment upon his team's arrival that New Zealand's hopes of beating Australia rested heavily on the senior players.

Fleming had support from Richardson and from Craig McMillan who looked sharp until, on 33, he scooped a lazy drive to Scott O'Leary at mid-on from the bowling of James Hopes.

New Zealand's other top-order batsmen never settled, with Nathan Astle making a duck, Matthew Bell going for eight and Mathew Sinclair plodding to 17 before being bowled by Damien Mackenzie, who took four for 54.

New Zealand arranged the four-day match after their test tour to Pakistan was cancelled because of safety concerns in the region.

The visitors named their regular test batting line-up along with front-line bowlers Dion Nash and Daniel Vettori.

Mail Cricket Editor