India tour is on, announces Cricket Australia

MELBOURNE: Speculation about the fate of the high-profile Test series was finally laid to rest as Australia on Tuesday formally announced that its cricket tour of India will go ahead as scheduled despite Saturday's serial blasts in New Delhi.
    
Cricket Australia (CA) said it has reviewed its security advice and confirmed that travel to India remains "appropriate".
    
"Our advice is there are some concerns and to exercise caution, but currently they do not compromise the tour," CA General Manager of Public Affairs Peter Young said in a statement.
    
Accordingly, the four Test tour starting next month will go ahead as scheduled, with the Australian players and support staff due to leave for India on Sunday.
    
"In consultation with the BCCI, we have upgraded security in and around the dressing rooms and they will have an escort to the ground," Young said.
    
The team will travel to Jaipur for initial acclimatisation and a practice match, with a second practice match in Hyderabad before the first Test gets underway in Bangalore from October 9, the statement said.
    
"CA has reviewed its security advice since tragic bombings in New Delhi last weekend and confirmed that travel to India remains appropriate," it added.
    
CA was also happy with the security arrangement for the Australia A team which is playing a tri-series in Hyderabad.     

Young said the youngsters have also been told to remain cautious about their movement in India.
    
"Australia A players have also been told not to leave the hotel without good reason. It's just a matter of prudence," he said.