NAPIER (AFP)
New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming will be happy to lead his side on a tour of Pakistan in April if their safety can be assured by cricketing authorities. Fleming's side are due to tour Pakistan to play three one-day internationals and either two or three Tests after the current series against England ends at the beginning of April.

New Zealand were due to tour Pakistan last year but the trip was cancelled in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the United States.

New Zealand manager Jeff Crowe is due to visit Pakistan to inspect security arrangements, and Fleming will abide by his findings. "I'm satisfied New Zealand Cricket are getting the safety issue right by sending people over there," he said on Tuesday.

"Pakistan need us to tour and if it is safe enough we are happy to go. It means we will have a hectic time and there are concerns we will lose players along the way because there is a lot of cricket to be played but that is what we enjoy doing."

Fleming's side are 2-0 up in the one-day series against England and can seal victory by winning at McLean Park on Wednesday evening.

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