Cricket: Everyone must abide by rulings - Hussain

England captain Nasser Hussain says everyone must abide by the International Cricket Council's decisions now that a compromise between the sport's governing body and India has averted a crisis ahead of the first test starting in Mohali tonight.

The three-test series was in doubt until India agreed at the weekend to drop suspended batsman Virender Sehwag from the team.

"These things cannot happen again. It would not happen in any other sport," Hussain said.

"Everyone must understand who is running the show and everyone should adhere to what the governing body says."

In return for the dropping of Sehwag, the ICC has pledged to investigate decisions made by referee Mike Denness during India's recent tour of South Africa.

Sehwag, who was given a one-match ban for dissent during last month's second test in South Africa, was one of six Indian players disciplined by Denness.

South Africa acceded to India's demand to replace Denness as referee for the third test and the ICC responded by declaring the match unofficial.

Although Sehwag missed the third test, the ICC ruled him ineligible for the first test against England.

"If the ICC says a test match is unofficial, everyone down the line, including me as England captain, must accept it," Hussain said.

"It's no good making decisions from bottom to top and the sooner everyone realises that ICC runs test cricket the better."

The England captain is now looking forward to a tough series against the Indians.

"Personally, I had no doubts that the series would be saved because I know how much people here love their cricket," he said.

"We haven't been out here long and they are desperate for a nice series against England to boost their stats again after losing to South Africa."

Hussain's team can compete, though. India may be virtually unbeatable in India, but not in Mohali.

Three tests have been played there and they have yet to win. Returning from South Africa humbled in mind and body, India have been distracted.

They also have five players on suspended sentences, including Sachin Tendulkar (one test) and Sourav Ganguly (one test and two one-dayers), a factor bound to play on their minds and that of match referee Denis Lindsay. One wrong step and the series might become a powder keg.

As home captain, Ganguly is also under pressure to deliver.

Yesterday, he was openly critical of the selectors for not consulting him before picking an uncapped three-man pace attack for the well-grassed pitch.

He may have a point. And when the trio tried to check in to the team hotel they were forbidden entry by security guards who thought they were fans.

Hussain reckons the key word for his young side is discipline. "I will have my usual meeting with the match referee today and try and find out what his pet hates are," he said yesterday.

"It might be excessive appealing, it might be outsized logos. Whatever it is, I have to convey that to my players.

"As regards the cricket, discipline is paramount. We have to get the ball in the right place again and again, while trying to bat with care and concentration at all times, as we did last winter in Pakistan."

With only a short lead-in period, players have not had time to get fit through cricket. With five first-time tourists the team ethic has also suffered from the curtailed warm-up.

"It's all very different at this level, so it is a bit like starting again, especially when trying to find the unity we had in the last few series," said Hussain.

The effectiveness of their efforts will soon be apparent.

Mohali boasts a magnificent stadium, while its friendly climate will tire only double centurions and those bowling 30 overs a day.

Taking 20 wickets in tests is difficult for sides visiting India, but a factor that could help England's cause is the lush outfield, which will enable the ball to keep its shine.

As for England's spinners, if Tendulkar pays Shane Warne no respect he is not going to bother about blocking too many from England's spinners.

England's batting looks less problematic, or at least it does until Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble get to work.

Then, shot selection, something not exercised well so far by Mark Butcher or Graham Thorpe, but brilliantly by Mark Ramprakash, will be critical.

- INDEPENDENT