South Africa not abandoning the England tour despite players been uneasy

Security doubts of cricketers, who are in England to take part in the ICC Champions Trophy, have been raised following the suicide bomb attack during an Ariana Grande pop concert in Manchester on Monday night. 22 people were killed in the incident with 59 seriously injured in what is described as a terrorist attack by the police.

South Africa arrived in England a few days before this grievous attack for a full tour of England in which they will play 4 Tests and 3 ODIs as well as T20s apart from the ICC Champions Trophy. The first ODI kick starts on Wednesday in Leeds, which will be an ideal preparation for the big tournament which starts from June 1. Team manager Mohammed Moosajee conceded that the players were concerned following the terror attack.

As you can understand we have some genuine concerns, the players are uneasy, there was a lot of chatter at the breakfast table,” Moosajee told reporters at the Headingley ground.

The ECB has increased the security and is in constant communication with the visiting South Africa side which has eased the nerves of the players.

“I am happy to say we’ve had constant communications from the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and their security manager.

“There have been guarantees put in place that security arrangements will be supplemented, starting today. We’re told there will be more visible police at the stadium, at practice sessions as well as the hotels we will reside at.”

South Africa is placed in a tough group as they will compete for the semi-final spot alongside India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. After the conclusion of this mega event, South Africa will play three T20s against hosts England followed by 4 Tests, the last of which is scheduled to take place at the Old Trafford in Manchester in early August.

“The hotel we will stay at when we are in Manchester for the last test match is walking distance away from where the events unfolded so there have been some genuine concerns,” Moosaji said.

“I think the process has started to make sure the players are reassured that arrangements are being made to try and keep them safe.”

Not abandoning the tour

Moosaji confirmed that there are no thoughts of abandoning the tour just as yet unless otherwise. South Africa is one of the favourites to lift the ICC Champions Trophy, an event which takes place once in four years.

“As things stand, there’s no mention of us even thinking of abandoning the tour. If the intelligence information tells us something else we would obviously have to reconsider.”

The ICC on Tuesday released a statement that it will review the security of the Champions Trophy along with the ICC Women’s World Cup which will begin in England and Wales from June 24.

The second and third ODIs will be played at The Rose Bowl in Southampton and the Lord’s in London on May 27 and May 29 respectively.