Fleming set to make 100th Test appearence

Christchurch, Apr 14 (UNI) Captain Stephen Fleming is all set to appear in his 100th Test, while Jacob Oram replaces Jamie How in the New Zealand team for the Test series against South Africa starting tomorrow at Pretoria.

Shane Bond, who has been slow in responding to the treatment on his knee injury, is a doubtful prospect but the team management are still hopeful of him being able to take his place in the side.

Peter Fulton has been elevated to the opening slot in his first Test since October 2004 and all-rounder Jacob Oram will bat at six to accommodate a fifth bowling option.

''We will ideally need a quality fifth bowler to be competitive against the top sides who have batting depth, especially as we are at altitude. South Africa bat strongly well down their order and we need these resources to counter that,'' Blackcaps coach John Bracewell said in a statement.

''To do that, and to retain our most in-form and experienced batting line-up, we will open with Peter Fulton, with the captain batting at three,'' he added.

The Squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Daniel Vettori (vice-captain), Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, James Franklin, Peter Fulton, Hamish Marshall, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Scott Styris.

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