Morris prepared for players to refuse

Nov 30 2008

England and Wales Cricket Board managing director Hugh Morris insisted England will be going back to India if it is deemed safe to do so - but admitted it may not be a first-choice side.

The ECB and captain Kevin Pietersen have already confirmed no player will be forced to return to the country following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai this week, but they are due to play a two-Test series beginning on December 11 in Ahmedabad, with the second match having been moved from Mumbai to Chennai.

Morris told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "At the moment, nothing has been confirmed with any of the players. We are committed, as it stands at the moment, to playing in those two Test matches, subject to safety and security advice."

He added: "If the security advice suggests it is a safe environment, we will be playing two Test matches.

"The support we've had in India has been incredible. Cricket is a galvanising force in that country, and that's got to be taken into account as well."

The ECB are taking security advice and expect a decision to be made about the future of the tour within the next 48 hours.

If it is deemed safe, it will then be left to the players to decide whether they will take part.

Asked about the possibility of top players refusing to go back, Morris added: "Clearly we would have to potentially face that issue."

Board of Control for Cricket in India vice-president Lalit Modi expects England to return - but insisted the board will not not press for compensation if they decide to stay at home.