Where it all went wrong for England

March 16.

England lose tournament opener to New Zealand. It proves to be a significant defeat for Duncan Fletcher's team, who in an instant lose the momentum created by their Commonwealth Bank Series win over the Black Caps and hosts Australia. In addition they lose the chance to carry through two points into the Super Eight stage - a benefit that provides Stephen Fleming's side with a shot in the arm instead.

March 17.

Details emerge of a breach of team discipline involving several members of the squad - as well as coaches Jeremy Snape and Kevin Shine - staying out into the early hours of the morning.

In addition to the fines, Andrew Flintoff - who went on to endure a disappointing run with the bat - was stripped of the vice-captaincy and dropped from the side which faced minnows Canada the next day.

March 24.

England's inconsistent selection policy is brought into focus when Jamie Dalrymple and Liam Plunkett are dropped for the group match against Kenya. Dalrymple had been described by Fletcher as the side's number one spinner going into the tournament but lasted just two games, while the Durham paceman was rewarded for his match-winning displays in the one-day series down under with equally curt treatment.

March 30.

England's struggling top order are dealt a huge blow when Ed Joyce - a player whose selection robbed Ireland of their best player - is dismissed for one by his former team-mates.

Fletcher's decision to dispense with former captain Andrew Strauss for Joyce looked increasingly wrong-headed, while the Middlesex man's failure to perform even as well as the likes of Niall O'Brien, who made 63 in the game, reflected badly on England.

April 4.

England recover from a second innings collapse against a strong Sri Lanka thanks to a fine partnership between Ravi Bopara and Paul Nixon but morale is sapped when they slip to a last-ball defeat.

April 8.

Another defeat to the old enemy as Vaughan's side fail to defend the batting efforts of Ian Bell (77) and Kevin Pietersen (104) against an undefeated Australia.

April 11.

The lack of good news around the England camp continues with the announcement that they were to be fined for a slow over-rate against the Baggy Greens.

April 17.

In a match that had become a virtual knockout against South Africa, the English batting stutters to one of its worst showings yet, falling to 154 all out before shipping the runs with indecent haste in the field and ensuring they would not take part in the semi-finals.