Flintoff sacked as vice-captain after drinking session

Gros Islet, St Lucia: England's Andrew Flintoff was sacked as World Cup vice-captain and dropped for their Group C game against Canada yesterday after a late-night drinking session.

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 yesterday that Flintoff was seen inebriated in the small hours. Reports said he had to be rescued from the sea after falling off a pedalo.

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-round-ers 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.

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

Meanwhile, England made 279-6 off their 50 overs in their World Cup Group C match against Canada at Beausejour here on Sunday.

In Basseterre, St Kitts, Brad Hodge pressed his claims for a place in Australia's first-choice team with his maiden one-day international century against the modest Holland bowling in their Group A match yesterday to take Australia to 358 for 5.