Pietersen hails team decision

1:55pm Friday 5th December 2008

Kevin Pietersen has reiterated that no member of the England squad had to be persuaded to travel to Abu Dhabi ahead of the probable resumption of the tour to India.

The future of the two-Test series has been in doubt since the terrorist attacks in Mumbai last week, and new alerts at four major Indian airports yesterday morning prompted fresh security concerns.

"I didn't persuade anybody," said Pietersen. "I respect everybody's individual concerns. They are men and make decisions for themselves. Nobody was told or persuaded what to do. We respected everybody's views."

He added: "The boys have come together as a collective team decision. We are fortunate enough to have a great bunch of lads who want to jump on the plane."

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff and bowler Steve Harmison were both initially reported to be reluctant to take part, as was James Anderson, whose wife is pregnant.

However, Pietersen revealed they had "become a lot more open-minded in the last couple of days" and he is confident he will "have a full squad to pick from the day before the Test".

Hugh Morris, managing director of the England and Wales Cricket Board, stressed safety remains the primary concern, but welcomed the chance to show solidarity.

"The board have made absolutely clear that the safety and security of players and employees of the ECB who will be in India is paramount and that remains," said Morris.

"To show solidarity with the Indian people is really important.

"The welcome we had in India was magnificent and cricket over there is so important to them."