England stars ready to shun tour

[PureOldGold]

At least five England players are not prepared to return to India following the Mumbai terror attacks, according to former Test fast bowler Dominic Cork.

The players are waiting for a security report before deciding whether to return to India for the Test series.

But Cork told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I know of at least five or six players who are going to turn their backs on England.

"Those I've spoken to are traumatised. What they saw on television was 10 times worse than what was shown here."

If safety can't be guranteed, which it can't be in this case, we should cancel the tour. No point of sending a second string team and slide further down the test rankings.

[Alex]

I agree.

[Natty]

i wouldnt go bak, its becs they seem far more worse on the tv over there then it showed us. i think it be the ones wiv kids that wont go.

[ITFC Dudette6]

I don't think we should go back so soon. Maybe next month, as India's tour of Pakistan is looking in doubt. Even though India have offered England a new touring schedule, they shouldn't be forced to go back because of money and fear of a fine from the ICC.

Some of the images on the TV here were terrible, it must have been worse over in India. Let the country mourn.

The terrorist attacks were in places were England players and fans routinely stayed, ate etc. during previous tours. I agree with Natty that I doubt players with children will go back. But for me, they shouldn't go back at all right now.

[CmonYouSpurs]

bollox to the cricket at least let them bury the dead

[Natty]

looks like they goin

The team will now fly out to Abu Dhabi on Thursday to train and prepare for the first Test in Chennai starting on December 11.

[Neko Bazu]

Playing the devil's advocate here; let's take it from the other perspective.

Terrorists intend to cause terror and disruption. By fleeing the country, we give them a minor victory - the everyday nature of things is disrupted. Can you imagine if the Aussies had fled after the 7/7 bombings, around the time of the Ashes? I know those attacks weren't quite on the same scale, but regardless, it was a terrorist attack and they'd have had every right to go home. Instead, they stood firm and carried on - and IMO, that was the right thing.

The nature of the attacks this time was different and certainly poses a greater security risk, I'll grant that. Despite that, though, I think the "right" thing would be for the England team to go back and carry on, in different locations if need be. It would give the Indian people something to focus on and unite behind, and would effectively be two fingers up to the terrorists - 'fuck you, you don't scare us.' (And if we're honest, it'd doubtless give the Indian fans something to celebrate too! )

I would not for a moment insist that the squad or any individual go back; it should be entirely voluntary and unpressured. If need be, a B-team could go instead. I would be delighted to see any England squad return though, if only for the sake of the gesture. Bollocks to ranking points; a few numbers in a table pale in significance to this kind of thing. The world stood united with the US after 9/11, and stood united with us after 7/7, a minority of fuckwits aside (almost certainly including the fuckwits who carried out this attack). Now's time to return the favour.

[El Morto La Hoja!]

but neko, aussies think terrorism is a ride a alton towers, not men with bombs/guns..... ;D