Fleming leads by example, skips treatment to be with team

Sydney, Jan 31 (UNI) New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming skipped a radiotherapy treatment, which threatened to rule him out of the ongoing tri-series against Australia and England, to be with his injury-ravaged side and avoid any complications before the upcoming World Cup.

The Kiwi skipper, who underwent a jawline surgery in 2005 for a tumour, decided against having a radiotherapy treatment last month as it may have led to a long lay-off.

Fleming said there was a significant chance of the problem flaring up again but he has opted to have regular check-ups instead of readiotherapy as he wants to lead the Kiwis in the World Cup, which is just over a month away.

''We're in a holding pattern right now and I'm feeling OK about the decision. I was supposed to have radiotherapy before Christmas as a preventative measure, but now I've opted for regular check-ups instead -- and hopefully everything will be fine,'' an optimistic Fleming was quoted as saying by the 'Herald Sun'.

''The big thing is to keep checking that there's no development going on under the skin and that everything remains as it should.

It's always in the back of my mind, but that's life and I just have to get used to it,'' he added.

The inspirational captain has been leading his side for more than a decade and there was a serious threat to his career after he was operated upon. New Zealand are already battling with injuries to key players like Shane Bond, whose back problem has returned to haunt him once again.

Apart from this, retirement by Nathan Astle, who was a batting mainstay, has also weakened the side.

UNI