“The police will also provide extra security at the stadium, and the players’ protection by the security staff will be watertight.”

Dickason now goes to Mohali, the venue of the second Test, to take stock of the security arrangements there, following which he will submit a detailed report to the English board.

‘We’re being sensible’

Even as ECB awaits the assessment report, its chairman Giles Clarke hinted that Kevin Pietersen and his men will be back in India for the Tests. “Under no circumstances will we allow our cricket to be dictated to by terrorists,” Clarke was quoted as saying by the Press Association. “India is an enormous country and there are large parts of it that have never seen terrorist activity. In 2005 the Aussies were sensible and we are doing the same here.”

The ECB boss also expressed satisfaction over the Indian board’s efforts at tightening the security. “A lot of progress has been made and some extremely good and constructive meetings have taken place,” Clarke said.

“The BCCI is doing all it can to facilitate the tour but we must do what we have to, properly and thoroughly. It is what every England player wants and deserves.” England has also demanded that a 20-man commando force be put on duty at every venue.

2011 World Cup as planned

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council has rejected reports the sub-continent could lose the 2011 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, due to safety fears following last week’s terror strikes in Mumbai.

... contd.