England to hear World Cup appeal today

The latest attempts to get England's controversial World Cup opener against Zimbabwe rescheduled will be heard in Johannesburg…

The latest attempts to get England's controversial World Cup opener against Zimbabwe rescheduled will be heard in Johannesburg this afternoon.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will make a legal submission to the World Cup technical committee - all six members will be present - including a statement from the 15-man squad.

They hope fresh evidence will substantiate the legitimacy of a death threat letter from an organisation called "the Sons and Daughters of Zimbabwe", which promised to send the team "back to Britain in wooden coffins" if they travelled to the African country.

The ECB have insisted the safety and security of the players has been paramount throughout their attempts to get the match, which was due to take place in Harare on Thursday, switched to a South African venue.

READ MORE

However, Jagmohan Dalmiya, president of India's board, has said England should be docked points for refusing to play the match.

The technical committee will decide whether to abandon the match on safety grounds and split the points between the countries, relocate the game or hand the points to Zimbabwe.

India are also due to play in the country and Dalmiya wants a tougher stance if England's appeal is not successful.

In a letter to International Cricket Council chief executive Malcolm Speed, Dalmiya stated: "The ICC should come to a firm and final decision whether Zimbabwe is a safe country or not for playing World Cup matches.

"If Zimbabwe is not a safe country, then shift all the matches from there. But if it is safe, award full points to Zimbabwe for the England match and levy a penalty of four minus points on England".

PA