Team will not shake Mugabe's hand: Vaughan

England players will not be expected to shake hands with Zimbabwean government officials during their controversial tour of the southern African country, captain Michael Vaughan said on Saturday.

Protocol between officials from Britain and its former colony is a sensitive issue, especially since British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw found himself shaking hands two months ago with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.

"It has been confirmed to us that we will not have to shake the hand of any government official," Vaughan told a news conference in Harare where England are due to play the first one-day international in a four-match series on Sunday.

Asked whether the players had any plan in case they were asked to greet government officials, Vaughan replied: "We have. The tour will be assessed throughout the week."

England's tour was delayed and cut short by one match to four after a row over accreditation for the majority of British journalists covering the tour.

The team flew to Harare from South Africa on Friday after Zimbabwe said it would allow the barred journalists in.

"For the last four days we have been doing things we're not paid to do," added Vaughan.

"The best part of the week was yesterday afternoon at Harare Sports Club, when we were able to train and do what we do best.

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"We have a very young squad, and some of the guys have seen things they shouldn't have seen and been part of meetings they shouldn't have had to be part of.

"Now we need to play the four games and get out of here."

ROCK BOTTOM

Relations between Zimbabwe and Britain have hit rock bottom since Mugabe launched a campaign of chaotic and often violent seizures of land from white farmers, many of whom held dual British citizenship.

Top strike bowler Steve Harmison boycotted the tour before the squad was announced and several players, including Vaughan, aired reservations before the latest crisis.

The England Cricket Board offered Vaughan the chance to skip the tour, but he declined because he felt he should stand by his players.

"I've only been in the job for 18 months, so I've also had a tough few days," he said.

"I certainly won't be giving up my job because of the last four days."

Asked for his initial impressions of Zimbabwe, Vaughan replied: "So far I've seen a hotel, a restaurant and a cricket ground.

"I'm looking forward to going to South Africa a week on Monday."

England are scheduled to return to South Africa on December 6 to play five Test matches and seven one-day internationals.