Heavy security as England arrive in India
Maria Abraham
England's cricket team, led by captain Nasser Hussain, arrived for their first Test tour of India in eight years amidst heavy security early on Wednesday.
The 16-member squad, none of whom have played Tests in India before, landed past midnight on a British Airways flight for the series starting next month.
The tour was preceded by security fears because of India's proximity to war-struck Afghanistan. Two players selected in the original squad -- pace bowler Andrew Caddick and spinner Robert Croft -- chose not to travel.
Security arrangements at the Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport were unprecedented, with a number of armed policemen patrolling the airport hours in advance.
"The necessary security arrangements have been made," Sanjay Barve, a deputy commissioner of police, told Reuters while declining to give any further details.
The team was taken through immigration and customs within 15 minutes of landing and whisked into a bus, which was parked at the arrival gate and surrounded by a ring of police officials.
The media were kept almost 50 feet away and only Hussain briefly posed for photographers before the bus was driven into the city, escorted by a convoy of security vehicles. None of the team members or officials were available for comment.
"Security is higher because of the ongoing world tension. We don't want any problems," Mayank Khandwala, a joint secretary of Bombay's cricket association, told Reuters.
"We have not organised a formal reception at the hotel in order to keep this a low-key affair," he added.
Another Bombay association joint secretary, Ratnakar Shetty, said: "There is bound to be some separation between the team and the public this time."
The visitors start their campaign on November 18 with a two-day match against a Bombay President's XI side. The first of three Tests starts in Mohali on December 3.
The second Test will be played in Ahmedabad from December 11-15 and the third Test is scheduled to begin in Bangalore on December 19.
England go back home for a Christmas break before returning for a one-day international series in the new year.
England lost 3-0 on their last Test tour of India in 1992-93.
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