Kevin Pietersen yesterday admitted that it was the desire to provide support for the people of India that motivated his side to travel to Abu Dhabi, a move that raises the chances of England completing their scheduled two-Test tour of the country.

If the safety and security advice presented to the England team in Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening is positive and no different from that given before the initial trip to India a month ago, then Kevin Pietersen and his squad should travel to Chennai and play the first Test.

The South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs will enter a month-long alcohol rehabilitation programme starting on Monday. Gibbs announced his decision after appearing in court on charges of drunk-driving. The case was postponed until March.

England embarked for India today to resume their abandoned cricket tour. Or rather, they departed for Abu Dhabi with the intention of flying to India sometime over the weekend.

England captain Kevin Pietersen believes it is important England return to India for their rescheduled two-Test series as a show of support following the terror attacks in Mumbai.