Fleming is primarily a fast bowler, but he combines with that pace great variation, including a particularly cunning out-swinger. Renowned, because of his economy, as one of the best one-day bowlers in the business, he also quickly made an impact on the Test circuit, becoming only the third debutant to claim a hat-trick, against Pakistan at Rawalpindi in 1994.

His international career has been curtailed by persistent injury to his shoulder and hamstrings and, because of this, he tends to use a short 10-pace run-up, but still extracts lively pace and is an ideal foil for opening partner Glenn McGrath.

Fleming is a capable outfielder and a useful lower-order batsman who likes to challenge the attack with shots square of the wicket. Fleming also complements his bowling skills with an active brain and he always seems to have a plan up his sleeve.

Perhaps his greatest contribution to the national effort, though, was the ball he bowled to Lance Klusener in the 1999 World Cup semi-final, which resulted in a run-out, a tied match and Australia's ascension to be World Cup winners.