English cricketers reluctant to return

[netfree]

LONDON: Even as the English cricket board assured that the side would return for the two-Test series in India next month, the players are still apprehensive of touring the country in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks.

As the English cricket team prepare to fly back home Saturday morning after cutting short the One-day series, skipper Kevin Pietersen said their return to India would depend on the security situation.

"We need to make sure the security's right - but if it's not safe then we won't be coming back. I'll never force anyone to do anything against their will. On the field, I may ask people to do things in a certain way but they have their own lives. We'll have to see how the security is," Pietersen was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

The team is backed by the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) who said the decision would be based on reports from the players' security advisors.

"They will look at it in the cold light of day and ask, is it safe to return or not? They will go with that advice assuming the situation in India does not deteriorate further. The players have full faith in Reg Dickason (England team security officer) and will be guided by him," Morris was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.

England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) managing director Hugh Morris assured that the Test series is on.

"It's very, very real and emotions are very high. It's a sensitive time. The home environment is where the players should be for a few days. The Test matches are in place and, unless we get security advice to the contrary, they will be going ahead," Morris said.