Domestic players, the key: Fleming

Domestic players, the key: Fleming Monday, Mar 08 2010 Chennai: The highly articulate coach of the Chennai Super Kings Stephen Fleming felt that the key to his team’s success would be the performance of the domestic players, especially those from Tamil Nadu in this year’s Indian Premier League T20 cricket tournament. In an interaction with the Media today, said: “Our team’s performance will depend on how well our local players perform. We are lucky to have some good talent.” On team composition, the former New Zealand captain felt that the Super Kings had the requisite balance and also sufficient number of all-rounders who provided the captain plenty of bowling options. “My role as a coach is to assess the situation. The Super Kings have been very consistent in the tournament over the past two seasons and we hope to continue and win the Cup this year,” he added. Regarding the availability of Kiwi all-rounder Jacob Oram, who is nursing an injury, Fleming said: “We are gathering information on Oram’s injury and will decide.” Fleming disclosed that Australia’s Michael Hussey, a key element in the batting order, is likely to be available only from the first week of April. “He is presently involved in a series against New Zealand that will conclude on March 31. So, he might join us thereafter,” he said. FLINTOFF NOT PLAYING Meanwhile, Gurunath Meiyappan of the Chennai Super Kings confirmed that former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff will not be part of the side this season. “Flintoff is not playing for Chennai Super Kings this season and that is one reason why we opted for Justin Kemp (of South Africa),” he announced. Flintoff, who retired from Test cricket to prolong his career in the shorter formats, has been plagued by injuries and last season when the IPL was held in South Africa, he made an all too brief appearance for the Chennai Super Kings. The star all-rounder underwent an arthoscopy on his left knee earlier this year and that ruled him out of competitive cricket for at least six months.