New Zealand Test player fined for talking to newsman

St George's, June 28: New Zealand Test opener Lou Vincent has been fined by his team management after talking to a journalist without permission, team manager Jeff Crowe said yesterday.

The fine for Vincent is the latest twist in a farcical drama that began on Monday night as the New Zealand team celebrated their first Test victory over the West Indies in a night club in Bridgetown, Barbados.

A drunken New Zealander, celebrating with the team, playfully rugby tackled the cricketer, flattening him. Vincent complained later of having a stiff knee and a news agency reporter quoted him as saying he might not be able to play in the second Test beginning in Grenada today.

New Zealand team management dismissed the report, saying Vincent was fit to play in the Test.

Crowe summoned reporters today to tell them that Vincent had been fined for a breach of team protocol.

"Normally players must not speak directly to journalists about such matters without talking to the captain, the physio or the coach," he said.

The amount of the fine was not disclosed.

Crowe insisted Vincent was fit to play but it was not known if he would be selected for today's match. The 23-year-old batsman under-performed in the first Test and another opener, Matt Horne, is available