Bracewell denies row with Fleming

Bracewell took charge of the New Zealand side in late 2003

New Zealand coach John Bracewell has dismissed rumours of a row with skipper Stephen Fleming over the absence of Chris Cairns in South Africa.

Newspapers in Wellington claimed the two men were at odds at the start of the tour after Cairns was told to prove his fitness in domestic cricket.

Bracewell denied the report and said Fleming was "involved all the way".

Cairns could now face Australia and Bracewell said: "Indications are he's extremely fit so it's been a success."

The New Zealanders had a wretched time of things in South Africa, losing the one-day series 4-0.

Cairns retired from Test cricket in 2004 after a series of injuries, but intends to play in the shorter form of the game until the World Cup in 2007.

He returned to form and fitness with an 80-ball century for his provincial side Canterbury.

New Zealand play a home one-day series against Australia in December.