Flintoff dropped

GROS ISLET – England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff was dropped for the World Cup Group C match against Canada yesterday.

Flintoff, who was not at the ground, was omitted after reports he’d been one of a number of players who’d stayed out until the early hours of Saturday morning following England’s six-wicket defeat by New Zealand in their opening game on Friday. His place in the side was taken by Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara, making his World Cup debut.In a statement, the England and Wales Cricket Board said: “Andrew Flintoff has been left out of the team for a breach of team discipline.A further statement will be issued in due course.”England captain Michael Vaughan said of Flintoff’s situation: “We’ll talk about it later today with the team management group.The News of the World, Britain’s biggest-selling Sunday newspaper, reported that Flintoff had to be rescued at 04h00 local time after capsizing a pedalo following the loss to New Zealand.Among the other players reported to have been fined for staying out for a late night drinking session at the Rumours Nightclub near England’s team hotel were James Anderson, Ian Bell, Jon Lewis and Liam Plunkett.Nampa-ReutersHis place in the side was taken by Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara, making his World Cup debut.In a statement, the England and Wales Cricket Board said: “Andrew Flintoff has been left out of the team for a breach of team discipline.A further statement will be issued in due course.”England captain Michael Vaughan said of Flintoff’s situation: “We’ll talk about it later today with the team management group.The News of the World, Britain’s biggest-selling Sunday newspaper, reported that Flintoff had to be rescued at 04h00 local time after capsizing a pedalo following the loss to New Zealand.Among the other players reported to have been fined for staying out for a late night drinking session at the Rumours Nightclub near England’s team hotel were James Anderson, Ian Bell, Jon Lewis and Liam Plunkett.Nampa-Reuters