II MOHALI. Oct 10: 11 For New Zealand 11 skipper Stephen I Fleming, speak-l| Ing to the press

his batting. One of the most stylish left-handers in the game nowadays, Fleming at the moment is relishing the Job of leading the side.

The tall 24-year-old skipper took time off on Saturday to have a little chat with Sakyasen Mittra at the Mount View hotel.

On the pressures of leading the New Zealand side:

1 am enjoying it at the moment. We have had a very good World Cup. To top it we defeated England in England. Thal s one of the most memorable cidents of my life. England may be a poor side. However, at home they are always tough to beat. So the last few months of competitive cricket has been really enjoyable. And why not? There have been times when the side has lost in the past few years. So I am making the most of the moment. As a captain... there is bound to be some pressure. However. I’m enjoying it.

On the current tour of India:

At home, they are always a difficult side to beat. However, we have the potential to cause an upset. This Is going to be series between our batsmen and the Indian spinners. Anil Kumble is a great bowler. Sunil Joshi has been bowling quite well off late. The future of the series depends on how we handle them. However, we are missing two of our premier fast bowlers, Simon Doull and Geoff Allot. Had they been here we could have really been in full strength.

On his own career.

I haven’t been really been able to fulfil my own expectations. In Tests, there have nine occasions when I have got out in the nineties while in the one-

dayers. I have got out in the eighties and nineties a number of times. If I were to assess my career as of today. I would say that I am 1.500 runs short of what I should have scored. Other than that I do not have any complain.

On the present state of New Zealand cricket:

Things are looking up. We are winning quite a lot at the moment. It helps if you win. It Is a boost for the young cricketers in your country. Even though at present, we have a number of senior players, our reserve bench is quite strong. You will realise that during the one-dayers we will be playing.

On the recently disclosed betting controversy (where he alleged that Indian sports promoter Aushim Khetrapalhad ojfered him money for throwing away a Test match against England):

This is a peculiar state of affairs. You will have to go by what he said and what I say. I will not go back: on my earlier' allegation that the man • you.

named had offered us money to throw a game. However, that is a thing of the past. I am not bothered with it at present. I want to concentrate on the more important matters on hand. That is playing cricket.

On the stars of the New Zealand side:

To be very honest, we really do not believe in the star syndrome. Ours Is a joint team effort where a few ordinary men perform above expectations to bring us victories. The only person that you may consider a star in the side is Chris Cairns. However, he is the most down to earth person. Always ready to put the interest of the side before his personal gains. Something that cannot be said about the stars’ of a few other teams.

On his targets:

The ambition was to win the World Cup. However, four years from now, I will not be around. Cricket Is a very taxing game and I am taking it now purely on a season to season basis. Even then. I do not see myself playing in 2003. However. I am satisfied that 1 have at least taken the team to the semi-finals of the World Cup.

On what he enjoys the most other than cricket:

I watch soccer and Australian rules football. They are my relaxation. Basically I am a family man and enjoy being with my near and dear ones.