ELEVEN of England's 16-man cricket squad today declared they would tour India this winter.
But Robert Croft, Marcus Trescothick, Andrew Caddick, Ashley Giles and Craig White have requested more time to reach a decision.
The selectors will be having further discussions with the five players over the weekend.
The tour party flies out on November 13, with all three Test matches being played back-to-back from December 3 to 23.
But some players are worried about the security risks because of the war on terrorism in nearby Afghanistan.
The First Test takes place in Mohali - only 525 miles from the Afghan capital Kabul.
England legend Ian Botham believes the trip should be scrapped because of fears about the players' safety.
Botham said: "When I heard the Foreign Office say, to the effect, that the England team should keep a low profile, I thought it sounded ridiculous.
"It is the most stupid statement I have heard. It is physically impossible."
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