Date-stamped : 29 Jan97 - 10:14 27 January 1997 Fleming Fulfils Promise With Maiden Test Century Commanding New Zealand batsman Stephen Fleming completed at Eden Park on Saturday against England what he first promised nearly three years ago: his maiden test hundred. Cantabrian Fleming made a marvellous 92 on debut against India at Hamilton, in March 1994, earmarking him as a player of tremendous ability. His natural talent was fully harnessed in his innings of 129 which displayed the perfect balance of elegant attack and dutiful defence. During the intervening period he has played 38 test innings and no-one has ever doubted his talent. It was just a matter of when, not if, the celebrated three figures would come. Ten half-centuries flowed from Fleming`s bat, including another 92, unbeaten, in the recent test series against Pakistan. Fleming said not having made a test hundred had gnawed away at him over the months when he knew he had the ability to go on. "To get it is really a relief, it`s certainly been a while com- ing. After promising so much and being on a big learning curve things finally came good." Fleming said he was nervous in the 90s and the graceful drive he reached his century with from off-spinner Phil Tufnell was a predetermined shot. "I`m just happy the option was the right one." Fleming said he had not contemplated a century after ending the first day unbeaten on 58, saying that was looking too far ahead. However, batting with Canterbury team-mate Chris Cairns on Satur- day helped Fleming through the potentially testing time. "It`s easy batting with Chris at the other end because he scores so freely, it takes the pressure off you." Fleming and Cairns shared a 118-run stand for the sixth wicket, which was instrumental in New Zealand reaching 390 in its first innings. Fleming had an anxious moment on 96 when Craig White ruffled his composure a little with a short-pitched ball which climbed, but could not conquer him. The Englishmen grudgingly admired Fleming`s stroke-play with Alec Stewart believing that Fleming had many more test hundreds to come. "He played exceptionally well, timing the ball a treat and look- ing very good. "He`s a tall, upright player and he had looked quite good in Eng- land when we played against New Zealand in 1994," said Stewart who also was a century-maker yesterday. Fleming has been likened to the smooth-stroking former England left-hander David Gower and they share more in common than just the April Fool`s Day birthdays, each capable of sublime shot- making. Fleming is also already New Zealand`s best left-hander since Bert Sutcliffe. As was foreshadowed in that fledgling first innings, Fleming is New Zealand`s batting successor to Martin Crowe. With the 100-run innings barrier now broken, the floodgates seem certain to open. Source :: The Christchurch Press (http://www.press.co.nz) Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com)