Around the wicket with: Stephen Fleming

Throughout four tournaments, Fleming racked up 1075 runs and featured in semi-finals in 1999 and 2007. We went around the wicket to ask the former New Zealand star six questions about his World Cup experiences and what to expect at #cwc15

What is your favourite World Cup memory as a player?
Scoring 134 not out against South Africa in Johannesburg to stay in the 2003 tournament.
CLICK HERE to read our 100 Greatest Moments profile on this innings.

Which venue are you most looking forward to seeing in action at the tournament?
Without a doubt Hagley Park. The new ground means a lot to Cantabrians and New Zealanders given what Christchurch has gone through. To have the opening game there is huge and I’m really looking forward to it.

Who are the players to watch for New Zealand?
All the usual suspects, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum and then the bowling group with Tim Southee, Daniel Vettori and possibly Trent Boult. The beauty of it is that I could name another three or four players to watch out for – and that’s why I’m optimistic about the Cup.

Who would be your opening partnership for New Zealand?
Would be Brendon McCullum to give you a quick start and Martin Guptill to provide the foil.

Who are your two finalists?
New Zealand and Australia to make the final. South Africa will be close and West Indies are the dark-horse.

You played in four World Cups, which was New Zealand’s best chance to win?
In South Africa in 2003, we didn’t achieve what we should have achieved, but I felt that was one of our most talented sides.

Stephen Fleming ICC Cricket World Cup record:
Tournaments: 4 (1996, 1999, 2003, 2007)
Matches: 33
Runs: 1075
Average: 35.83
Highest Score: 134*