Collingwood Fined But Escapes Ban

Paul Collingwood has escaped a possible ban for England's slow over rate in last night's NatWest Series match against India as the International Cricket Council chose instead to impose fines for the transgression.

England captain Collingwood, who was leading the side for only the fifth time in a one-day international at Bristol last night, could have been banned for up to two matches after his side were found to be three overs short of the required rate. But after a hearing with match referee Roshan Mahanama, Collingwood, England coach Peter Moores, team manager Phil Neale and umpires Billy Doctrove and Ian Gould and third umpire Nigel Llong and fourth official Peter Hartley, it was decided to impose fines.

Collingwood was fine 50% of his match fee of around £1,250 after being charged with a level two offence of the Code of Conduct - while the rest of the England team are fined 15% - five per cent for each over they failed to bowl in the time allowed. England were nearly 40 minutes late in completing their overs but had mitigating circumstances, including problems with the sightscreen during the early stages of the match as well as Sachin Tendulkar's treatment for cramp in his hand during his magical innings of 99.

Collingwood, speaking last night before the disciplinary hearing, said: "The nature of the innings, with so many boundaries being scored and with various stoppages for one thing or another, was always going to mean that it was going to be longer than usual - ultimately, however, it didn't seem to detract from what was a fantastic game of cricket."

India won last night's thrilling contest by nine runs to draw level in the seven-match NatWest Series, which continues at Edgbaston on Monday.