AFP

Abu Dhabi, Dec 8: England will go ahead with a two-Test series in India after receiving security assurances following the Mumbai terror attacks, it was announced at their training base on Sunday.

Officials also confirmed that England would be travelling with a full-strength squad following reports that senior players Stephen Harmison and Andrew Flintoff were uncertain about whether to play in India.

"This is a very brave and courageous decision which will be respected around the world," England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) managing director Hugh Morris told a news conference on Sunday.

The series, which is due to start on Thursday in Chennai, had been called into question following last month's attacks in Mumbai, one of the original Test venues, left 172 people dead.

England, who were 5-0 down in the seven-match One-Day International series, then cut short the limited overs section of their tour with players flying home before going out to train in Abu Dhabi.

ECB security advisor Reg Dickason arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday from India to deliver his assessment to the players.

After an hour-and-a-half of discussions involving players, officials and Dickason, it was eventually confirmed that the Test series was going ahead. In response to the terror attacks, Indian officials have switched the venues for the Tests from Ahmedabad and Mumbai to Chennai and Mohali respectively.

The first Test is due to start on Thursday, with the second getting underway on December 19. However, doubts remain over whether Mohali will stage the second Test. Morris is due to visit the city before the first Test commences in Chennai with some reports suggesting the series finale could be switched again to either Bangalore or Delhi.

England's squad for the two-Test tour of India:

Kevin Pietersen (capt), Tim Ambrose (wkt), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Alastair Cook, Andrew Flintoff, Stephen Harmison, Amjad Khan, Monty Panesar, Matt Prior (wkt), Owais Shah, Andrew Strauss, Graeme Swann.