England coach Duncan Fletcher believes his players have been adversely affected by the controversy that has dogged their tour of Zimbabwe.

England beat Zimbabwe by five wickets in the first of four one-day internationals in Harare on Sunday, but they lost four wickets for 43 runs in 12 overs chasing a modest target of 196.

"We bowled badly at the start, and I would have liked to win by seven wickets and not five," Fletcher told a news conference on Tuesday. "But a few more guys were able to bat, which was a positive."

The England and Wales Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council came under pressure to abandon the tour because of Zimbabwe's political problems.

The tour was put in jeopardy when the Zimbabwe government banned 13 of the 36 British reporters who wanted to cover it.

England threatened to pull out because of the suspensions, but the government relented and the squad arrived in Harare two days later than scheduled.

"The guys were nervous (on Sunday), there's been a lot written about this tour," Fletcher said.

"There was a strange feeling in the camp because of the build-up to this tour."

Some of the players played golf on Monday while others visited local markets in an attempt to escape the pressures.

"Getting the guys to relax yesterday was important, and today there was good energy when we trained," Fletcher said.

"We've been sitting in hotels in Johannesburg and Harare, and I thought it was important that the players get out."

Asked if the tour felt like a normal cricket tour considering that the first match has been played, Fletcher said, "We will only know that when we pitch up for the game tomorrow."

The teams play the second match of the series in Harare on Wednesday, and Fletcher said England would probably field an unchanged side.

Fletcher said England had not under-estimated the Zimbabweans, who have lost 14 consecutive one-day internationals.

"It's our goal to win the series 4-0, but we're not taking these games as minor games," Fletcher said. "Just one good innings can put you under pressure."

The series ends with matches in Bulawayo on Saturday and Sunday.