Fleming 145;alarmed146; by Aussies146; planning

Fleming said the world champions were set to reach a new level of dominance because they prepared 8216;8216;much smarter8217;8217; than when Waugh led them to a nil-all Trans-Tasman series draw here in 2001.

Ahead of next week8217;s opening Brisbane Test of a two-match series, Fleming, 31, said he was surprised by the amount of detailed planning undertaken by Aussie coach John Buchanan to unhinge Sourav Ganguly8217;s India team.

Fleming said Australia8217;s meticulous homework put the down payment on a 8216;8216;clinical8217;8217; series win. 8216;8216;I was a little bit alarmed at how well they had planned for it. That8217;s not always been one of Australia8217;s traits,8217;8217; Fleming said.

8216;8216;Because they have been so successful, they can usually get through any situation by their natural ability. But to see an Australian side that8217;s thoroughly planned, and has been planning for some time, is a little bit alarming because it may take the side to a new level. John Buchanan is always pushing the boundaries but that was an interesting sign,8217;8217; Fleming said.

Australia adopted defensive field settings to dry up the home side8217;s runs, used leg-spinner Shane Warne as a stock bowler and batted with more patience to register a first series victory in India since 1969.

Fleming can be seen as a modern-day pioneer of off-field preparations in his own right. In 2001, only eight months after they had produced a record 16th straight Test win, he caught the Australians off guard to nearly mastermind a shock series victory here.