'We're entertainers, not targets': Fleming

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said he would lead his players from the field if the problem of missiles being thrown onto the field continued in Tuesday's game against South Africa.

More than 250 people were arrested when spectators began throwing missiles onto the field during Friday night's match between Australia and the Kiwis at Melbourne Cricket Ground and play was interrupted by pitch invasions.

Sunday's game at Melbourne Cricket Ground between Australia and South Africa, which attracted a crowd of more than 62,000 people, was also marred by rowdy scenes as more than 200 fans were ejected from the stadium.

"There's been too many close calls for us to accept it's part and parcel of the one-day game," Fleming said in Hobart on Monday.

"A player is going to get hurt and if it's a bottle in the head, which was close to us the other night, that's going to be serious.

"(Australia captain) Steve Waugh missed one as well, very close to his head.

"As players we don't need that, we're entertainers, not there to be targets. Zero tolerance is the way to go."

Fleming said if objects were thrown onto the field during Tuesday's match he would assemble his players in the middle of Hobart's Bellerive Oval and if the situation became dangerous enough, they would leave the field.

However, a much smaller crowd of perhaps between 5,000 and and 10,000 is expected for the match.

"We're used to playing in this environment," Fleming said.

New Zealand and South Africa each have one victory from one match in the triangular series while Australia have lost both their games.

Mail Cricket Editor