Sunday, March 18, 2007

Flintoff dropped as England vice-captain

England's Andrew Flintoff was sacked as World Cup vice-captain and dropped for their Group C game against Canada this morning after a late-night drinking session in St Lucia.

However, team management decided against sending the 29-year-old all-rounder home after the incident on Friday night following their six-wicket defeat by New Zealand.

British newspapers had reported that Flintoff had to be fished out of the sea after capsizing a pedal boat in the sea following a drinking session.

A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said five other players had also been fined for breaching discipline.

It added that this was not the first time that Flintoff, considered one of the world's greatest all-rounders and a key figure in their famous 2005 Ashes win over Australia, had been involved in such an episode.

"Andrew Flintoff has been given warnings about his conduct and disciplined for previous incidents of this nature," England head coach Duncan Fletcher was quoted as saying in the statement.

"In light of this and due to the serious nature of the incident which he was involved in at the hotel on Friday night, we have decided to take further disciplinary action against him.

"Andrew has been made fully aware of the team management's concerns and the fact that the ECB considers this type of behaviour to be totally unacceptable.

"He will remain with the World Cup squad and be available for selection for our next match against Kenya.

"All players involved wish to express their sincere regret for the embarrassment caused to their team mates, the England supporters and the ECB."

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