Now South Africa face fury over late-night drinking - Sport - Evening Standard
       

Now South Africa face fury over late-night drinking

England head into their make-or-break World Cup tie here today against a South Africa side caught up in their own late-night drinking controversy.

Skipper Graeme Smith is among those facing disciplinary action after staying out until 4am on Sunday. In an echo of England's problems in St Lucia last month, half a dozen players made a big night of it after losing to New Zealand in Grenada before heading here the following day.

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Playing it straight: Andrew Flintoff, off the booze since his St Lucia exploits, bats in the nets yesterday

The group, said also to include Mark Boucher, Andre Nel and AB de Villiers, were seen by South Africa supporters, who rang radio stations back home to voice their concern about the "highly intoxicated" cricketers.

Smith admitted last night: "There were probably guys who had a few drinks but I don't know what highly intoxicated means. If, after a high pressure game, a couple of guys want to blow some steam off then I don't have a problem with that."

South Africa cricket board chief Gerald Majola is flying to the Caribbean today and has asked for a report on the incident.

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