Hussain pleads with ICC to move game against Zimbabwe

World Cup: England captain seeks 'level playing field' from governing body as Pakistan's wicketkeeper threatens to divide international game

The England captain, Nasser Hussain, yesterday pleaded with the International Cricket Council to swallow its pride and give his team a chance in the 2003 World Cup. Speaking for the first time since the England and Wales Cricket Board refused to send its side to Zimbabwe, because of fears over safety and security, Hussain asked for the ICC to reschedule the controversial fixture which was supposed to take place in Harare today.

"It would be nice if we all started on a level playing-field," Hussain said following England's eventful practice session here. "It would be nice if the ICC swallowed their pride and let everyone have a good chance, whether it is New Zealand, England or whoever. I hope they relocate the fixture because we enjoy playing against Zimbabwe and we have a close link with their players. We hope that everyone can fulfil their quota of games in the tournament."

The possibility that this match could still take place grew yesterday when the chairman of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union, Peter Chingoka, appeared to soften in his stance. It was what Chingoka did not say that will have given England hope. "If it's outside the issue of safety and security [that the match is relocated] I don't think it will be agreeable to us," said Chingoka.

Until these comments the chairman had stated that his side would not play any group games outside Zimbabwe. However, it now appears Zimbabwe may be prepared to play the match in South Africa should the ECB's new evidence convince the ICC technical committee that its fears are legitimate.

What Hussain wants is the chance to get four vital World Cup points. If the game against Zimbabwe fails to take place England are unlikely to be given them, which will make qualification for the next round of the tournament very difficult. It will mean England have to win two of their three matches against Australia, Pakistan and India, something not many people expect them to do.

"We will have to look at the World Cup now as a cup run, where we can't afford to lose a game," was Hussain's summary of the situation. "The sides will get better and better as the games progress. If you lose you are virtually out."

The fixture list is sympathetic to England's plight. Their first game is against the Netherlands on Sunday followed by the Namibia match on 19 February. They give Hussain's squad a gentle way back into cricket following a traumatic week.

However, the agonising continues for the England all-rounder Craig White, who has had a recurrence of the side strain he sustained during the Ashes series. After successfully coming through England's two World Cup warm-up games it appeared White had recovered from the injury which threatened his place. But after a bowl on Tuesday he felt sore and yesterday he was struggling. If he fails to come through today's practice session he could be on the way home. Adam Hollioake is the likely replacement.

There was excitement outside England's net session when an onlooker was bundled to the ground, handcuffed and taken away by the police. Security is high wherever teams go and if you do not have the right pass you are not allowed in. When told this by police the man took exception and reacted aggressively. It was the last he saw of the training session.