Fleming has tumour removed

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New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming will miss the first two one-day internationals against Australia after having a tumour removed from his face.

Vice-captain Daniel Vettori will take over as skipper for the first two games of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series on December 3 and 7, while Fleming hopes to return for the final game on December 10.

New Zealand team manager Lindsay Crocker said: “Stephen last week had a potentially cancerous tumour removed from his jaw-line in front of his left ear, and yesterday received the very good news that the tumour was benign.

“The size of the tumour caused nerve damage which was repaired with further surgery on Wednesday.

“Stephen will aim to play for Wellington in a State Championship match against Canterbury beginning in Christchurch on December 5 and will be considered for the final ODI against Australia on December 10.

“We are very pleased for Stephen who must have had a stressful time over the past week. When he was selected we did not know whether he would be available for the first match or whether he would be out for a longer period, but now hope that he will be fit to play on December 5.

“Daniel Vettori will captain the Black Caps which will present him with a valuable opportunity to captain the team at home against the world champions.

“Nathan Astle will step in as the vice-captain. With Stephen being ruled out of the first two matches, the squad is now 13 and no-one will be added to or released from the squad for the first match.”