da esoccer bet： Glenn McGrath’s dismissal of Stephen Fleming was the critical moment of play on the fourth day
The Wisden Verdict by Peter English29-Nov-2004
The key wicket: Stephen Fleming bowled by Glenn McGrath© Getty Images
Glenn McGrath’s dismissal of Stephen Fleming was the critical moment of play on the fourth day. As the only batsmen capable of consistently batting for long periods and making huge scores, Fleming was New Zealand’s chance of being the hero he had hoped – probably prayed – for the previous day.Fleming’s presence at the crease is so reassuring that he gives his more fragile team-mates something to hold on to. During this whistlestop series they have had no driftwood to cling to since Jacob Oram’s fine century in the first innings at Brisbane. By conquering Fleming with his off-stump line, McGrath has ensured that Australia should take the Trans-Tasman Trophy as easily as collecting shells.Usually McGrath publicly targets the highest-profile opposition batsman before a series. It was unusual that he pointed at Nathan Astle this time, leaving Fleming to Shane Warne. Neither got their man over two Tests, but McGrath probably really had his eyes on Fleming. He has nailed him every time since the second innings at Brisbane.Before this match Fleming had averaged 55.23 in 15Tests since the Sri Lankan tour in April 2003, scoringtwo double-centuries and a 192. His potential danger to Australia was comparable with Brian Lara, Michael Vaughan and Michael Atherton, the regulars on McGrath’shit-list, in match-saving situations.Fleming joined the squad late to recover from illness,and battled to catch up. Michael Kasprowicz dismissed him second ball in his tour’s first innings before McGrath took over. Ricky Ponting first bowledMichael Kasprowicz, Warne and Jason Gillespie to Fleming yesterday,and he was well set when McGrath finallyarrived at the bowling crease.Stirred from fielding for so long, McGrath delivered a rising ballslightly above off stump that brushed Fleming’s bat,and he was again late in his downswing today. McGrathappealed forcefully to Steve Bucknor, who did nothingas the off bail had been tipped. It was the perfectdelivery for Fleming. McGrath had dismissed him forthe fifth time, equalling Warne and standing only onebehind Javagal Srinath as Fleming’s most successfultormentor.New Zealand were 2 for 18 as their captain walked off,and rain or natural disaster seemed their onlysaviour. By the time his pads were packed away it was4 for 34. Fleming must hope Chris Cairns, Chris Harrisand Andre Adams fly in this week for the one-daymatches with methods to lift a wounded squad.The scheduling meant that the series would always be decided intwo weeks, but the ease with which Australia will earnthe prize tomorrow will be frustrating for New Zealand. Sadly,Fleming’s main achievement has been to earn a wallhook in McGrath’s trophy room.