Fleming is international cricket's longest serving captain

Fleming instead accepted a contract to captain Nottinghamshire.

"We're not into the hustle and bustle of the London lifestyle," explained Fleming, who spent the 2001 season in London while playing for Middlesex.

"You can go there for a week and enjoy it, but the quality of life I like is a bit of space."

Notts won the County Championship Division Two title last summer and hope Fleming's experience will help make them a force at the higher level.

"Captaining a group of players for 10 years you learn something about your trade. It gives me the ability to sum up situations and pass on knowledge of the game," said Fleming.

"I am not an insecure captain, I like guys coming up with ideas - that is when you become a productive cricket side."

He continued: "From my point of view, the systems put in place will be very similar to the ones used with New Zealand.

"Chris Cairns has had an influence here, he's been captain here and has talked about some of the principles we use."

Fleming also hopes to help further the international ambitions of Notts players like Graeme Swann and Paul Franks, who both spent the winter at the national Academy.