Stephen Fleming
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Stephen Paul Fleming (born in Christchurch on April 1, 1973) is the current captain of the New Zealand cricket team, known as the Black Caps.
A stylish left-handed batsman, Fleming made his Test debut in 1994 against India and assumed the captaincy role during the home series against England in 1997. Known for his astute tactical abilities, he is New Zealand's most successful Test captain, having led the side to 20 victories (as of April 2004) and having won Test match series against India, England, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Affectionately referred to by fans as "Flange", Fleming was long regarded as an underperformer with the bat, with one of the worst 50-to-100 conversion ratios in world cricket. However since the 2003 tour of Sri Lanka Fleming has silenced his critics, with a glorious 274 not out against Sri Lanka - when Fleming selflessly declared rather than staying to reach 300. Since that tour, Fleming has gone on to score a century 50% of the times he has reached 50. Fleming is often credited as the best captain in international cricket.
As of March 2005, Fleming had captained New Zealand in 62 test matches, a New Zealand record and the third-highest number worldwide.
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