Fletcher banks on united force

Duncan Fletcher's expression reflects his attitude to recent events away from the pitch

Coach Duncan Fletcher believes England’s off-field problems can “pull the side together” as they bid to get their World Cup challenge back on track.

The aftermath of the late-night drinking episode following last Friday’s defeat by New Zealand has been the major talking point in the West Indies and England alike.

Andrew Flintoff, James Anderson, Ian Bell, Liam Plunkett, Jon Lewis and Paul Nixon were fined after drinking late in a nightclub after the defeat to New Zealand and less than 48 hours before Sunday’s contest with Canada.

Flintoff was also dropped against Canada and sacked as vice-captain for failing to heed England’s previous warnings about his behaviour.

England, who beat Canada by 51 runs despite not being at their best, have the remainder of the week to concentrate on Saturday’s final Group C match with Kenya, when victory should ensure their progress to the Super Eight stage.

“From what I saw of the players and the effect it had after the meeting and how they realised the mistake they have made, I genuinely get a feeling they’ve had a big wake-up call,” said Fletcher.

Fletcher looks on as Andrew Flintoff issues an apology

“My concern was the Canada match and that was why it was such a delicate situation and how it was dealt with could have had an effect. It could have been quite a dangerous game to get through.

“This is why we want to get this over with and from tomorrow we want to get back to working hard in the nets and just thinking about cricket.”

But Fletcher insisted he was not about to install curfews or prevent the players going out because of the incident and stressed they all should know how to act in the build-up to a match.

“There are well aware of how to behave, which is why the fines happened,” he explained. “I’ve managed sides right the way through from university sides, when you get some real hooligans. I’ve done it this way and I’ve got their respect.

“I believe they are professional sportsmen and they understand what is required of a top cricketer.

“We had a severe chat in the changing room last night about how we go forward and they are well aware of what they have to do and how they’ve got to prepare for World Cup games.

“Sometimes things like this can pull a side together and hopefully that is something that will take place now. We’ve got a team that supports each other. When people make a mistake they are very keen to support and show that support.”

Fletcher is adamant he will continue to support Flintoff

Fletcher remains unswervingly loyal and insisted Flintoff retains his backing despite the latest indiscretion in a far from unblemished career.

“I’ve given Andrew support previously and there are times in everyone’s life when you need some discipline,” explained Fletcher. “I’ve disciplined him for his professional preparations for games before but I will always support Andrew.

“I think he’s a very important player for England and will continue to be that. I don’t expect him to stay locked in his room every night.

“The players are mature individuals and they have just got to go out there and behave accordingly. I’m positive all the players in my side that they will go away, think about it and behave.”

Fletcher also confirmed that bowling coach Kevin Shine, who had gone to the nightclub to have a drink with his brother, and spin specialist Jeremy Snape, who was with the players, were also questioned about their actions on Friday night.

“We have spoken to those two individuals and they have made an error in judgement. We’re still chatting to them about the incident,” stressed Fletcher.

“They both manage their lifestyles well and we’ve had a chat to them. They appreciate they made a mistake and should have done something about it.”