England return to India

England will resume their tour of India - and take a full-strength squad, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Sunday night.

The players were briefed on the latest security update in Abu Dhabi during the afternoon before confirming they would return to India and complete the tour which was halted following the terror attacks in Mumbai.

Star players such as Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison are thought to have held reservations about returning but have indicated their willingness to take part in the two Tests.

Uncertainty has surrounded the tour since the Mumbai attacks and the ECB are still unsure whether the second Test will be played in Mohali as was previously announced.

Hugh Morris, managing director England cricket, is scheduled to visit the northern Indian city before the start of the first Test in Chennai on Thursday but Bangalore and Delhi have been mooted as possible alternatives.

The tour was halted after five matches of the scheduled seven-game one-day international series with the hosts leading 5-0.

The England squad returned home before flying out to Abu Dhabi for practice while they waited for a full security update from India from security advisor Reg Dickason.

It seems Dickason's verdict has persuaded the likes of Flintoff and Harmison that it is safe.

Danish-born Amjad Khan will be on the plane to India after being named as the replacement for injured pace bowler Ryan Sidebottom.

Yorkshire leg-spinner Adil Rashid, 20, will also tour in a bid to gain experience but will not come into consideration for selection.