England players fined for breach of discipline

GROS ISLET, St Lucia, Mar 17 (Reuters) A number of England players have been fined for a breach of discipline last evening, a team statement said today.

The statement gave no details of the players involved or the nature of the misdemeanour. England lost their first World Cup Group C match to New Zealand by six wickets on Friday and must win their next two or face early elimination.

''The England team management today announced that a number of England players have been fined by head coach Duncan Fletcher after admitting a breach of team discipline last night,'' the statement read.

''The decision followed a team meeting at noon today which was attended by players and management.'' England's base in St Lucia for the group matches is the plush St Lucian hotel in Rodney Bay. The island's main tourist road, filled with bars and restaurants, is just outside the hotel.

England announced just after yesterday's defeat to New Zealand that today's net session had been cancelled.

Coach Fletcher said earlier today that the team had been given the day off because of the tough training sessions so far on tour and to keep them out of the sun.

England face Canada in their second Group C game tomorrow.

The seven-week World Cup culminates in the final on April 28 in Barbados.

REUTERS PDS PM0031