8 Dec 2008

England cricketers meet to discuss Indian situation

6:38 am on 8 December 2008

The England cricketers are meeting now in Abu Dhabi discussing whether or not to return to India for two scheduled test matches in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

It's understood the players are likely to resume their aborted tour if a final ECB security assessment gives the clearance.

The first test is due to start in Chennai on Thursday and the International Cricket Council has appealed to fans to turn out in large numbers to show they are not intimidated by the recent attacks in Mumbai.

If the tests go ahead, the New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden will officiate in Chennai this week, replacing Pakistan's Asad Rauf who couldn't get the right visa in time.

Pakistanis entering India must apply for city-specific visas, and Rauf's was issued for the original venue Ahmedabad.