The England team, led by Alastair Cook, arrived in the City on Tuesday morning amidst tight security at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
It may be recalled here that the English cricketers will take on India in the first of the one-day internationals at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (Uppal) here on October 14. But they have arrived 10 days in advance to get acclimatised to the conditions here.
The team left straight to the hotel from the Airport amidst a convoy of police vehicles.
None from the team spoke to the waiting media, as the HCA officials hinted that there would be the first official briefing at the stadium tomorrow afternoon after the team has their long training sessions.
HCA secretary D. S. Chalapathi reiterated that the England team would play two warm-up games as scheduled on October 8 and 11.
It may also be recalled here that originally HCA thought of having the warm-up games at the Lal Bahadur Stadium in the city, but as an after-thought, and on the instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), they were shifted to the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. This change in venue was also forced because of the prevalent circumstances in the region.
HCA officials revealed that a heavy security cover will be in place both at the hotel and at the stadium when they come for practice.
“In all probability we may not allow any spectators for the warm-up games for security reasons. We are keen that the run-up to the big match – the one-day international – is near perfect to ensure that the match is a big success,” a senior HCA official pointed.
Source: THE HINDU...
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