<b>Cricket: </b>Fleming steps down as NZ's ODI captain

The 2007 cricket World Cup signalled the end of another era when Stephen Fleming stepped down as New Zealand's one-day captain after more than a decade at the helm.

Fleming announced his decision after the 81-run defeat in the semi-final against Sri Lanka on Tuesday and said he took the step in a bid to provide "fresh energy" to himself as a batsman.

The stylish left-hander said he had arrived at his future course of action quite some time ago.

"I had made up my mind long time ago though New Zealand Cricket (NZC) wasn't privy to it as I didn't want to hamper the preparations for the World Cup," Fleming, who was largely acclaimed as the most cerebral of contemporary captains, said.

In his over 10 years in charge of Kiwi fortunes, he led in 217 matches with a 98-106 win-loss record.

He wanted to continue as a one-day batsman as well as be the Test captain, "if afforded the opportunity."

"I am 34 and now want to concentrate on my batting and stack up some good individual performances. It's time for some fresh mind to come in and take New Zealand cricket to the next level."