‘Uneasy’ Proteas staying put despite bomb attack
FIRST ONE-DAYER AT HEADINGLEY KICKS OFF THEIR THREE-MONTH TOUR
isiting South African cricketers “are uneasy” following Monday’s suicide bomb attack on a pop concert in Manchester but abandoning their tour of England is not under consideration, the team’s manager has said.
Britain has increased its security threat level to “critical” from “severe” following the attack that killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.
South Africa began their three-month tour of England with a One Day International against the hosts at Leeds yesterday and team manager Mohammad Moosajee admitted the players were concerned.
“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.
“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.”
The Proteas, who will be eyeing their maiden global title at next month’s Champions Trophy in England and Wales, sign off their tour with the final Test of a four-match series in Manchester.
Security arrangements
“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 ...” Moosajee 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.
“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 International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a statement on Tuesday saying it would review security of both the Champions Trophy and the monthlong women’s World Cup, also in England and Wales, beginning on June 24.
South Africa will also play two other One Day Internationals (ODI) following yesterday’s contest and three Twenty20 matches against the hosts as part of the tour.
Winning the toss
South Africa captain AB de Villiers won the toss and elected to field against England in the day-night first one-day international at Headingley.
England recalled all three players who had been allowed extended spells in the Twenty20 Indian Premier League — star all-rounder Ben Stokes, paceman Chris Woakes and wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.
That meant England dropped Jonny Bairstow on his Yorkshire home ground after the wicketkeeper/batsman starred in England’s recent 2-0 ODI home series win over Ireland.
Mark of respect
But there was a recall for offspinning all-rounder Moeen Ali.
South Africa, the world’s number one ranked ODI side, selected Wayne Parnell ahead of Dwaine Pretorius, while fast bowler Morne Morkel was left out.
A minute’s silence in memory of those killed in the Manchester terror attack on Monday was due to be observed before play started, with players from both teams wearing black armbands as a mark of respect.
The series continues at Southampton on Saturday and finishes at Lord’s on Monday.