Indian cricketers concerned over London riots

The third Test between England and India which begins on Wednesday in Birmingham has been put in jeopardy with both teams staying put inside their hotel because of the escalating unrest in London and neighbouring areas.

The Indian cricketers are watching with concern the riots which hit the city on Monday night while being holed up in a central city hotel as is the England team in a part of the town which was the centre of riots.

“We were told by the Board to remain where we were last night with instructions to restrict our movement,” said team manager Anirudh Choudhry on the eve of the match against England.

In an email, he later said, “all the members of the Indian touring squad are safe and accounted for...the team management is keeping a close watch on the situation.”

Indian batsman Suresh Raina tweeted, “Good nite, every thing safe here miss you mom can’t wait to see u”, while England batsman Kevin Pietersen wrote: “They have just locked our hotel in Birmingham. Riots just started here. Insane!”

England bowler Tim Bresnan said on his Twitter account: “Just seen the rioters in Birmingham fleeing down the main street followed by a load of police in the full get up. What’s going on?”

All-rounder Stuart Broad added on his Twitter page, “Police vans all around Birmingham where we are right now.”

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff also pleaded for calm in the city.

“Please stop this nonsense people, stay safe everyone,” he wrote on his Twitter page.

“I think it’s harsh to have a pop at the police they too are putting themselves in danger to protect us!I hope everyones behaving up north!”.

Pietersen said in a Twitter message to former newspaper editor Piers Morgan: “they have just locked our hotel in Birmingham mate... Riots just started here.. Insane!!”

Spinner Graeme Swann added: “Goodnight England. Good luck to those surrounded by the carnage. Be safe.”

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