Fleming is Kiwis' model leader, says Bracewell

The Black Caps, bidding for their first World Cup title, meet tournament debutants Ireland tomorrow in the latest Super Eights clash, the final match to be played at Guyana's Providence Stadium.

After South Africa's shock loss to Bangladesh yesterday, it will need all of Fleming's experience to ensure no complacency enters the team's mindset before they face a side of mostly amateurs.

Bracewell felt that Fleming's contribution was key to the team's success and that his leadership was respected now as much as it was during his first match as skipper in March 1997 when he succeeded Lee Germon.

''I think experience and respect under pressure counts for a lot with your players,'' Bracewell told reporters yesterday. ''If your players will follow you anywhere then you've got a decent chance.

Stephen has that.

''He has what we call in New Zealand mana (a Mauri term meaning the aura of respect) and he has it in spades. Our guys will follow him anywhere and do anything for him.

''He's constantly searching to grow through the development of our leadership group, which gives new voices and his acceptance of that is the next phase of leadership.'' ENCOURAGED PLAYERS Fleming, 34, has encouraged players to have a level of authority in team matters and has even embraced Daniel Vettori's claims to the captaincy rather than fearing the rivalry, Bracewell said.

''Leadership is not an autocratic thing, it's a democratic thing.

Pulling at the resources of people like Shane (Bond), Dan (Vettori) and those sort of people who have the feel of the team because they mix through the ages.

''Most leaders become very introverted as time passes and they become protective of it. Stephen is not like that and he has been happy for Dan to lead the team occasionally because when he is unable to the change is seamless.'' All World Cup-winning captains have been highly influential figures such as West Indies' Clive Lloyd in 1975 and 1979, Australia's Steve Waugh in 1999 and Pakistan's Imran Khan in 1992.

In what is Fleming's third World Cup campaign as skipper, New Zealand have won all five games so far for an eight-match winning streak and they are fancied to at least reach their first World Cup final.

The seven-week World Cup culminates in the April 28 final in Barbados.

Reuters DH DB2231

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