New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming failed a fitness test on Friday due to an abdominal strain.

The strain will keep him away from Saturday's match against India.

He was suffering from the strain for nearly a month, but it got aggravated this week.

Chris Cairns will take charge of the proceedings in his absence.

Ashley Ross, the New Zealand coach, confirmed the report.

The Kiwi team are left with only twelve players, as Paul Hitchcock was earlier ruled out due to injury.