Security Stepped Up As Indian Cricket Team Practises in Chennai

The Indian cricket team practiced today with armed police patrolling the boundary at Chennai's Chidambaram Stadium, the venue for the first Test against England which starts on Thursday.

"The police have taken over the gates," a regional cricket board spokesman said. "Usually the security hired by the state association man the spectator entry points. This time it is a complete police show."

The Chennai city police commissioner also announced that a 3,000-strong force drawn from police and commando units had been assigned for player security. Indian security officials have also secured most of the rooms in the England team hotel.

It was confirmed yesterday that England's tour of India will recommence, after the one-day series was curtailed following the Mumbai terrorist attacks, which left nearly 200 people dead. The full complement of England players will go on tour after advice from their security adviser, Reg Dickason.

"It has been a very difficult decision for the team," said Hugh Morris, the managing director of England cricket. "But we have a robust plan in place and can confirm the England team will be in Chennai within 24 hours."

"Players get judged by what they do on the pitch, with averages and runs scored," continued Morris, "But there are opportunities that transcend those stringent boundaries from time to time. The players have made a very brave and courageous decision and I think that decision will be welcomed all over the world."

England's decision to tour has met with widespread praise in India. "Hat's off to England's show of goodwill," engineering student Vijay Guruswamy told Reuters. "Whatever has happened has happened, but life must go on, cricket must go on."