Fleming fears he's a one-day wonder

CRICKET'S ultimate officer and a gentleman would have preferred to keep an appointment with the West Indian pace attack in Jamaica next week.

Matthew Fleming, an old Etonian and once commissioned in the Royal Green Jackets, had hoped he might just have been part of England's carefully laid plans for the First Test at Sabina Park.

Instead, Fleming may be forced to make do with prowling the moors on his family's Scottish estate, taking pot shots at any unsuspecting grouse that happen to fly by.

The 33-year-old Kent all-rounder was an instant success when he was called to the colours as England won the Champions' Trophy in Sharjah last month.

That unexpected chance of international cricket so late in his career had given Fleming the taste for more.

He would have given anything to become a willing target for Curtly Ambrose and Co in the Caribbean.

Fleming, who spends much of his time working as chairman of the Professional Cricketers' Association, has the consolation of knowing he will play a crucial part in the five one-day internationals at the back end of the gruelling three month tour.

But Fleming explained "The Sharjah experience was fantastic. I made a contribution in all the games and did enough to make it impossible for the selectors not to consider me for the West Indies.

"Of course, I'm looking forward to the one-day involvement but deep down I can't help wondering if Test cricket is still beyond me.

"I don't honestly believe I'm good enough but you can't help dreaming. I don't think I would let England down or disgrace myself."

Fleming, in fact, made a telling impact on his international debut as he returned figures of 4 for 45, including the scalp of Sachin Tendulkar, as India were beaten by seven runs in the opening game.

Fleming also took 3 for 42 in the final against the West Indies before chipping in with a crucial knock of 33 to clinch a superb three-wicket victory.

Fleming added: "Everything that happened in Sharjah was beyond my wildest dreams - and take it from me I have plenty of them.

"Even now it's all still a bit of a whirl and I only hope I can continue to play my part as we build up for the World Cup next year.

"I read recently that I was being favourably compared to Dermot Reeve, who became one of the first one-day specialists in the England set-up.

"That was very flattering because Dermot was an extremely intelligent and successful cricketer.

"He made the most of his talents and played in the World Cup. I hope I can do the same."

Fleming has an impeccable pedigree. He is the nephew of Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, and his great grandfather Charles Leslie of Oxford University and Middlesex was a hard-hitting batsman on England's Ashes tour way back in 1882-3.

Fleming confirmed: "I'm proud of my background but I understand that a lot of people have always thought I played the game for fun.

"They couldn't be more wrong. Just because I smile doesn't mean I'm not trying as hard as anyone else.

"Of course there are still parts of me that wonder if I'm good enough at the highest level but I have to believe in myself. The selectors wouldn't have picked me if they didn't think I was up to the job.

"In quiet moments I try to remember all the things I've done right. Like getting Viv Richards out or scoring a hundred against the Australians.

"I think I'm getting better in a lot of little ways. Last season I finished off a run chase against Mushtaq Ahmed at Taunton. Not so long ago I wouldn't have got over the finish line.

"Throughout my career I have always set myself two main goals.

"I wanted to someday become captain of Kent and dreamed that I would eventually be given the chance to play for England at some level.

"At least I've achieved one of those ambitions.

"Playing for England was, an always will be, an unbelievable thrill."

The experience certainly hasn't shaken him. And he's undoubtedly stirred - Bond would have surely approved.

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