Stephen Fleming - highly-rated leader (Allsport).

By Gareth Duggan, PA International

Doyen of cricket broadcasters Richie Benaud, a former Australian captain, rates New Zealand's Stephen Fleming one of the finest leaders in world cricket.

Few in the game would dare argue.

But it is not for that reason alone that Fleming is expected to play such a significant role in the Kiwis' World Cup campaign.

The tall left-hander is a punishing one-day batsman and a truly gifted slip fielder.

He averages 30.77 in one-dayers, contributed to the ICC Champions Trophy triumph in Kenya in 2000 and has snaffled 84 catches in his 182 matches.

But for all the success those figures imply, there still remains about New Zealand's most successful captain a sense of things unfinished.

His three hundreds in one-dayers are not a great return on 32 half-centuries, and his record in Tests is similarly frustrating - just four tons after reaching the 50-mark 33 times.

Almost invariably, he cruises to a half-century in a manner that suggests the bowling really ought to be better to justify his presence.

His cover drives and straight drives routinely inspire gasps even from the most demanding of fans.

But he will cruise into the 60s or 70s only to lose concentration which, given his renowned unflappability, is astonishing.

Then the languid stroke-making is replaced by a hurried cut or ill-advised drive, and the lanky frame is stalking back to the pavilion.

The one-day win over Australia in Napier in 1998 is a good example of just how influential Fleming can be when he produces a big score to match his astute captaincy.

He shuffled a pack of seven bowlers and took three catches to restrict Australia to 236 and then hammered 111 not out in a triumphant run chase.

To his credit, Fleming never allows himself to sink into a comfort zone - he has shifted from Canterbury to Wellington and also spent a successful season with Middlesex.

That improved his concentration somewhat, but he still has his detractors.

His batting frustrations apart, he has until very recently led a team which always seemed to be on the brink of achieving consistency.

One or two good results would too often be followed by a calamity as a generation of players struggled to find their feet on the international scene.

However, his remarkably timely bowling changes and willingness to experiment tactically mark him as a captain of rare quality.

His greatest triumphs as captain have been the surprise ICC Champions Trophy victory in 2000, the Test series win over the West Indies earlier this year, a Test series success in England and most recently victory over India at home.

But injuries to key bowlers and the inconsistency of key batsmen have always hampered his efforts.

A full-strength bowling attack, including left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori, all-rounder Chris Cairns and a top-class fast bowler - currently Shane Bond - has rarely been available.

Brilliant batsmen like Craig McMillan, Nathan Astle, Matt Horne, Lou Vincent and Mat Sinclair have found consistency elusive.

But now with Bond and Vettori back and Cairns on the mend, Fleming can at least count on an attack with real penetration.

However, unless he can act as the top-order anchor and rely on the support of at least one or two other batsmen in South Africa the cause will be lost.

New Zealand have never won the World Cup, but the draw has been kind this time.

Of the three other teams of significance in their pool, the West Indies are still rebuilding and Sri Lanka do not flourish on the hard African tracks - while South Africa have a new coach and, as hosts, must bear the immense burden of expectation.

For Fleming, who will be almost 30 when the tournament starts, the World Cup is timely.

If he can contribute significantly with the bat as well as providing inspired leadership South Africa could well prove Fleming's finest hour.