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CRICKET

DECISION TIME FOR FLINTOFF & CO

FLINTOFF: Misgivings

Monday December 1,2008

By Colin Bateman

ENGLAND players such as Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison have been told to stay at home unless they are fully committed to the tour of India, which last night remained in limbo.

Talks will continue today between the ECB, the players and various security advisers over whether the team return to India this week for the two-Test series, due to start on December 11.

Although the players flew home at the weekend after the atrocities in Mumbai, the indications are that they will resume the tour next weekend in Ahmedabad, venue of the first Test.

The players can opt out if they wish, with Flintoff and Harmison among those who have expressed misgivings about going back. But the ECB feel they have an obligation to the game and to India and are prepared to send a weakened squad if reports do not warn against a return.

National selector Geoff Miller said: “If some players choose to stay at home the selectors will have to reassess, but their decision to miss the Test series will not count against them.

“If we do go back we’ve got two tough Tests to play, so the focus has got to be right.

“There is no point going out there if their mind is on self-preservation. We need them performing with bat and ball. But it might not be right for some.

“I’ve not spoken to everyone yet but Kevin Pietersen is doing a ring round to canvas opinion. I’m expecting to hear back from everyone over the next day or so.”

While players such as Flintoff and Harmison may feel they can miss India without damaging their prospects, a player like Graeme Swann has the chance to win a first Test cap in India and is not about to turn that down.