Flemo and the legacy....

Martin Crowe left his international career, not getting to touch the coveted World Cup despite raising expectations by performing to that extent upto the point the disappointment came. Probably much the same could be said of this very focussed and inspirational captain of New Zealand.
Stephen Fleming who has the record number 0f matches captaining the Black Caps, will be reflecting on the many more he could have done in his reaching-out career. But Fleming can be considered a genius in his trade. His most valued prize in terms of name and recognition is probably the ICC Knockout tournament that they won in 2000. Fleming has also led his team to bilateral series victories both home and away, besides a position in the finals of the VB series in australia, a final series in which australia were knocked out, which directly led to the sacking of legendary Steve Waugh from ODI captaincy.
In terms of team building and team ethic few are better examples. From handling the likes of Nathan Astle, Daniel Vettori, Chris Cairns and Chris Harris and maintaining them at their full potential, Fleming has left some well charged batteries in New Zealand's future by nurturing the likes of Brendon McCullum, Shane Bond, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram and the lot.
As a batsman Fleming had a very shiny style. His clips off the pads, off and on drives and backfoot punches to square leg are exquisite. His strike-rate may be suggestive of a sheet-anchor but the case was otherwise. Fleming opened the batting in ODI's alongside the dashy Nathan Astle and his century in the group stages against South Africa in the 03 WC which had a hand in eliminating them in that stage itself will be among his very remembered ones. In Tests Fleming partnered many with Richardson, Sinclair, Bell besides also coming at No.3 quite a few times. He has a best of 274 not out against Sri Lanka, and had an 'average' average that required him to make a 50 plus score in his last test innings to take it past 40.
Fleming is also a accomplished slip fielder and now holds the record for the most number of test catches. Being authoritative at slips and having the best view of all proceedings in test matches is probably paradise for captains.
Fleming will remain New Zealand's best captain even though all kiwis may hope that the junior of the best will make the do better.