In case they return, the England team might miss the services of Steve Harmison and Andrew Flintoff who are reluctant to go back to India.

Pacer James Anderson might also stay back to be with his pregnant wife.

Their possible pull out, however, would not count against them, selector Geoff Miller said.

"Players need to be on their full mettle. There is no point in anyone going out there if their mind is on physical self-preservation. We need them performing with bat and ball.

But, depending on the character involved, it might not be right for some," he said.

"At the moment nothing has been confirmed with any of the players. We are committed, as it stands, to playing in those two Test matches, subject to safety and security advice. 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," he said.