Stephen Fleming joins New Zealand camp ahead of World T20

Stephen Fleming, the head coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), arrived in New Zealand on Saturday to assist the Kiwis in their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Fleming joined the New Zealand team right after guiding CSK to their fourth IPL triumph. The Blackcaps announced the news on their official Twitter account, writing that the former New Zealand captain would be joining the camp for a few days before the World Cup. Fleming’s role in the side, though, was unknown until the 38-year-old spoke with New Zealand Cricket’s social media manager about it.

Fleming has stated that he would spend five days with the New Zealand team before the World Cup. He will exchange ideas with the team as well as discuss the conditions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which will host the majority of the World Cup games. Fleming’s last association with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) was as a player 13 years ago. Fleming has not worn the New Zealand jersey since his retirement in 2008, until yesterday, when he rejoined them for a limited spell ahead of the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Before entering into the World Cup, New Zealand will play two additional warmup games with Australia on Tuesday and England on Wednesday before facing Pakistan on October 26 in their World Cup opener. Mitchell Santner, a CSK all-rounder, has also joined the national camp for the World Cup. On Saturday, KKR players Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, and Tim Siefert too joined the camp.

New Zealand squad for T20 World Cup: Kane Williamson (Captain), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Adam Milne* (injury cover).