AUCKLAND, Dec 11: Stephen Fleming could yet lead New Zealand in the first Test against Pakistan after the captain saw a specialist about his troublesome stomach injury on Thursday.

Fleming’s doctor suggested the New Zealand captain play for his province Wellington in a four day match starting on Friday to determine the extent of the injury picked up in last month’s tour of India.

“The specialist has advised us that Stephen should play for Wellington tomorrow,” coach John Bracewell said. “That will give us the chance to determine how the injury responds.

“How he copes in that game will give us a clear indication of whether or not he is fit enough to be considered for test selection.”

Fleming suffered the injury in the latter part of last the tour of India and missed the subsequent five One-day International tour of Pakistan, which New Zealand lost 5-0. The first Test against Pakistan begins on Dec 19.—Reuters