South Africa fear for tour after attack

SOUTH AFRICA begin their one-day series against England today admitting they are concerned about playing cricket in light of the Manchester terrorist attack. The tourists yesterday insisted on gaining assurances from the ECB that security measures around them during a tour that also includes the Champions Trophy will be enhanced because their players are ‘uneasy’ about the situation. ‘There was a lot of chatter at the breakfast table and I’m sure you will understand that we have genuine concerns because the players are uneasy,’ said South Africa team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee. ‘We’ve had constant communications with the ECB and guarantees have been put in place that security arrangements will be supplemented, starting today. ‘We’re told there will be a more visible police presence at stadiums, practice sessions and the hotels we will reside at. ‘I am comfortable with the arrangements but we will have to see what plans are put in place at some of the other cities. ‘There is no chance of us abandoning the tour but if intelligence tells us something else, we will obviously have to reconsider.’ The ECB insist their security arrangements, led by the highly respected Reg Dickason, were already ‘robust’ and they are confident every step has been taken to protect the players, but clearly South Africa are worried, with captain AB de Villiers admitting he had received several messages from home asking if he was safe. ‘Make no mistake, if this were any other country people would be asking whether this series and the Champions Trophy were at risk,’ said Dr Moosajee. ‘Players deserve to have answers to the questions they posed. ‘The hotel we will stay at in Manchester is literally walking distance from where events unfolded and the process has started to make sure the players feel they’re safe. ‘The ECB have given us a full-time security liaison officer and, at the moment, we’re carrying on.’