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Graham Thorpe, the Surrey batsman who has regained his place in the England team after returning early from Australia last winter with a serious back injury, was fined 1,000 pound sterling yesterday for a breach of discipline.

David Graveney, the team manager, acted after Thorpe declined to attend a social function at Kent's ground in Canterbury on Wednesday evening, and proved unable to offer a satisfactory excuse for his absence.

``It is crucial that we are a collective team in everything we do, on and off the field,'' said Graveney, who attended the function for Kent members along with the 14 other players in the England World Cup party and the team officials. England are staying in Kent during the preliminary stages of the competition, which starts next week, and play a group game, against Kenya, at Canterbury.

``The matter has been discussed with the players,'' said Graveney, ``and Thorpe took part in the practice session today. It was unfortunate but he has apologised, and he has made the request that the fine is donated to charity.''

Thorpe accepted that he was wrong and said: ``I felt I needed rest but I regret taking things into my own hands. I am now fully focused on my cricket and the World Cup starts now.''

England play Kent today, in the first of three friendly matches prior to the opening match of the competition, against Sri Lanka, the holders, at Lord's a week today. As a player whose general performance writes his own name in the side, Thorpe knows that his minor indiscretion will not count against him where selection is concerned. But it is a reminder to the other players that slackness will not be tolerated. A major tournament is about to begin, and England are deadly serious.