Chennai, Sept 22: Downplaying the "revenge" cricket series against India, New Zealand Captain Stephen Fleming today said there will not be any confrontation between the two teams when they meet in a two-test series beginning on October 8. "It is not a confrontation series between the teams but a non-confrontation series. But we are also realistic about the touch competition ahead," he said. Fleming, who arrived here along with the 14-member test squad, praised his Indian counterpart Sourav Ganguly for his leadership skills.

"I respect Sourav Ganguly as a Captain, leader and a good player. It is not a revenge series and there will not be any confrontation between the captains and the players," Fleming said at a press conference before leaving for Vishakapatnam for the three-day tour opener against the Board President's XI from Sep 26-28. "We are realistic about the tough competition ahead in the two tests and the triangular series (with Australia as the third team) but we are looking forward to an enjoyable tour," he said.


Fleming said that he definitely does not consider the tour as a contest between the rival captains.


"Out here we need to apply ourselves well. The wickets in India are dry and hard and also have turn for slow bowlers. Statistics prove that it has been so for hundred odd years. It is going to be a greater challenge and we have to live with it," he said.
Bureau Report