England board still expecting cricket players to quit India tour
4 Dec 2008, 1004 Hrs

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London, Dec.4 Though the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has sought a confirmation from players that they would travel to India next week, it is expecting a last minute defection from some of the team's first-choice bowlers.

According to The Telegraph, a compromise has been reached that all players except injured fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom will travel to Abu Dhabi for a training schedule, but they will make a final decision on whether to tour or not to tour India only Sunday after receiving a security update from players' representative Sean Morris.

The paper says that Morris, and England's general manager Hugh Morris will travel to India to meet ECB security officer Reg Dickason.

Rumors are in circulation that Dickason's report does not fully address the players' concerns, and a mood of distrust exists that a few days in the Gulf are unlikely to solve.

"We will access the highest calibre of security advice on a regular basis so that we can provide the players with the latest accurate information," the paper quoted Sean Morris, as saying.

The Morrises have been locked in talks with security advisers and Government agencies for the past 72 hours.

"The only consideration in all our discussions has been the safety and security of the team and support staff," said Hugh Morris, after the talks.

Security remains the key and Dickason has already visited Chennai to check out the MA Chidambaram Stadium and the prospective team hotel. He is due to visit Mohali, but in their statement on Wednesday night the ECB were careful to make it clear that they had not yet rubber-stamped either venue for the two Tests. (ANI)