Stephen Fleming's performance as skipper of New Zealand was recognised in New Zealand's annual sports awards that were presented in Wellington last night.

Fleming, who led the side to a one-day series victory over Pakistan and a comeback victory to tie the Test series 1-1, also performed outstandingly in the three-Test series against Australia in November-December.

He was the first recipient of the National Leadership Award. This replaces the national Fair Play award which was given to sportsmen who were regarded as best representing the virtues of sportsmanship and fair play.

This was a product of the now defunct Hillary Commission - the national sports agency.

During the function, former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. Crowe, the last great New Zealand batsman, was named the player of the 1992 World Cup after some of the finest batting of his career. He had a top Test score of 299 and has scored more Test centuries than any other New Zealander.

Also during the evening, former New Zealand cricket commentator Iain Gallaway paid tribute to the late Bert Sutcliffe, the great left-handed batsman, who died last year.

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