Damien William Fleming (born April 24, 1970, Bentley, Western Australia) is a former Australiancricketer who played in 20 Tests and 88 ODIs from 1994 to 2001. He has been recognised as one of Australia's premier pace bowlers, an expert in the art of swing bowling. Fleming's 20 Tests between 1994-95 and 2000-01 returned 75 wickets at an average of 25.89 with best figures of 5/30. He is one of only three men (along with Maurice Allom and Peter Petherick) to have taken a hat-trick on Test debut. Fleming's Test match record is impressive, in the 1999-00 season in six Tests between Pakistan and India he took 31 wickets. Fleming's ODI record is equally impressive, representing his country 88 times including two World Cup finals and 134 wickets at an average of 25.38. He was seen by many as a one day specialist, especially in the latter overs when his fine economy rate kept runs down. Injury problems shortened his career, with the side on bowling action which generated his swing also put more strain on his body. Following his retirement in 2003 he was appointed head coach at the Australian Cricket Academy. Today, Fleming is a popular figure on the public speaking circuit, and regular questions are asked of that dropped catch by Shane Warne which denied him his second hat-trick. He is also a presenter on Melbourne radio station SEN 1116 and commentates the cricket on ABC radio in the summer.
Australia
