Fleming can only watch and pray

Stephen Fleming will be an anxious onlooker at Canterbury today as his New Zealand side play their last warm-up game before next week's First Test.

Fleming is missing the match against Kent because of a groin strain that could yet force him out of next Thursday's clash at Lord's.

The Kiwis are trying to sound upbeat about their captain's chances of recovering in time but the problem is not a new one. Fleming required a cortisone injection before the flight to England.

The 31-year-old batted only once during last week's match with Worcestershire, scoring 23, and was unable to field on the final day. The injury dates back to November and forced him to miss a tour of Pakistan. Now the left-hander admits it is "touch and go" whether he makes the Lord's Test.

Manager Lindsay Crocker is more optimistic, rating Fleming's chances of being fit to face England as 80 to 90 per cent.

Fleming might have opened against Kent, moving up the order to replace Michael Papps, who has made a dreadful start to the tour. But now Papps, with seven runs from three firstclass innings , has another chance.

England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones was to have missed the game but national coach Duncan Fletcher approved a change of plan.

Frizzell County Championship, Div 1 - Bristol: Northants 218, Gloucs 93-0.

Old Trafford: Lancashire 187, Worcs 77-4.

Edgbaston: Warwicks 358-6 v Surrey.
Div 2 - Cardiff: Glamorgan 346-8 v Essex.
Leicester: Leics 223, Notts 85-3.
Taunton: Somerset 375, Durham 3-0. H
eadingley: Hants 322, Yorkshire 40-1.
Tour match - Canterbury: Kent v New Zealand.