Fleming returns for Kiwis

Published December 10, 2005

WELLINGTON, Dec 9: New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming will return for the third and final one-day match against Australia, who have included uncapped fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, in Christchurch on Saturday.

Fleming missed the first two games of the series, both won by Australia, while recovering from surgery to remove a tumour from his face.

Vice-captain Daniel Vettori led the side in Fleming’s absence and will captain New Zealand again on Saturday.

New Zealand will name their super-sub just before the game begins.

Australia’s super-sub Mitchell Johnson was a late addition to the squad after fast bowler Brett Lee returned home after the second match on Wednesday to have a breathing problem rectified.

Ponting said his side were lucky to have already wrapped up the series after they won the match in Wellington by two runs.

Andrew Symonds smashed 156 in Australia’s mammoth 322 for five, only for New Zealand to be bowled out for 320 in the final over while seemingly in the box seat with six runs required from the last over.

Two run-outs, particularly one of Brendon McCullum by Michael Clarke, proved vital in the final five deliveries.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Brad Hodge, Mike Hussey, Simon Katich, Mick Lewis, Andrew Symonds, Cameron White, Mitchell Johnson (12th man/super-sub).

New Zealand (from): Daniel Vettori (captain), Nathan Astle, Chris Cairns, Stephen Fleming, Hamish Marshall, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Craig McMillan, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Scott Styris, Lou Vincent.—Reuters

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