Two match test series will go ahead as planned

The ECB and the BCCI have confirmed that the test series between England and India will go ahead as planned. They also confirmed that the remaining 2 ODI matches are postponed but will take place at a later date. The announcement comes after terror attacks in Mumbai, where ‘British’ and ‘American’ tourists were the targets. The England players have flown home to be with their families before returning to India on December 11 for the first test match. The BCCI have confirmed that the second test will be held in Chennai. That however depends on if the situation gets better, with the ECB stating that the players safety is their first priority. The BCCI is keen for the test series and ODI series to go on.

“The Test series will go ahead, and there is no problem with that. We are sure the first Test will go ahead as scheduled in Ahmedabad. But there is a problem over hosting the second Test in Mumbai. The ECB wants the Test to be shifted to southern India.” – Lalit Modi

Pietersen however, has reiterated that the players will only travel to India if their safety is guaranteed.

“We need to make sure the security’s right – but if it’s not safe then we won’t be coming back.”People are their own people, I’ll never force anyone to do anything or tell them to do anything against their will. On the field I may ask people to do things in a certain way but people run their own lives. We’ll have to see how the security is.”- Pietersen told Sky Sports

The dates of the dead-rubber ODI matches have yet to be confirmed but the BCCI are keen for them to take place, possibly early next year. The England team have returned home but are planning a warm-up game before the test series. This could possibly be staged in Abu Dhabi or Dubai some time before the first test.