Security stepped up for England opener

By James Price in Perth

AUSTRALIA'S cricket officials announced today they have increased security for England's opening match of the Ashes tour tomorrow following the Bali bombings earlier this month.

Nasser Hussain's side have arrived in Australia for the five-Test series starting in Brisbane on 7 November and will play their first match at Lilac Hill, on the outskirts of Perth, against an Australian Cricket Board Chairman's XI.

John Moody, Lilac Hill committee chairman, insists a substantial number of security staff had been hired for the match.

He said: "We're aware, of course, of the VIPs, both players and special guests.

"We've increased the security aspect and there have been additional precautions taken. Not only as a result of the recent tragedy in Bali, but also because the issue of player security has been very much to the fore - first of all from the ICC (International Cricket Council) and then down through the ACB to the Western Australian Cricket Association and to us."

Kath White, the WACA chief executive, added: "Security has been heightened.

We just want to ensure everything is as safe as possible for the spectators and the players in a festival atmosphere."

The Lilac Hill one-day game against a touring national side attracts crowds of about 10,000 each year.

Tomorrow's match will be England's fourth appearance at Lilac Hill, where former captain Alec Stewart, 39, played eight seasons with local club Midland-Guildford.

The 39-year-old England wicketkeeper says he is making a nostalgic return to the place he regards as his "second home".

And as Stewart prepares for his final Ashes campaign, he is also happy to offer total support to those fellow senior professionals coming under criticism - whether it's Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman or Australian cricket rivals Steve and Mark Waugh.

Stewart said: "If a 31-year-old makes a mistake, it's not 31-year- old Joe Bloggs dropped a catch or let a goal in, but as soon as you seem to get over 35 and you do something wrong then the age thing comes in.

"You have to accept that because 39, as I am, or 37, as the Waugh brothers are now, is probably above the average age that people normally play cricket - you have to perform, but that is the same whether you are 39 or 22.

"David Seaman has copped a bit of flak, but he's been a fantastic performer for England for a number of years.

"People forget that Paul Scholes ducked at the back post from that corner and instead of criticising Seaman maybe they should be praising a really good corner.

"A 39-year-old has made a mistake so it's been highlighted. People say because of his age his feet don't move as well and things like that, but if he had made the same error 10 years ago it would just have been a mistake."

Stewart has suffered similar criticisms in recent years and he looked unlikely to reclaim his place when he took last winter off and allowed James Foster to take his place.

Just as he was preparing for a summer of county cricket with Surrey, though, Foster broke his arm and allowed Stewart a way back which has enabled him to secure one of the new 12-month central contracts with the England and Wales Cricket Board.

His experience alone has taught him that Australia would be foolish to discard the Waugh twins, both of whom have struggled recently until Steve claimed a timely century today in the final Test against Pakistan in Sharjah.

His defiant 103 not out in the Third Test against Pakistan was his 28th Test century, moving him ahead of former Australia skipper Allan Border (27) as the fourth most prolific compiler of Test centuries.

The 37-year-old's first Test hundred in 17 innings left him trailing only Indian pair Sunil Gavaskar (34) and Sachin Tendulkar (30) and Australia's Don Bradman (29).

"It seems the fashionable thing at the moment to question the Waughs' ability," said Stewart. "To me they've been two fantastic cricketers and I'll be amazed if they don't both turn up at the First Test in Brisbane.

"What they have done for Australia over a number of years is fantastic.

"Everyone is entitled to go through a slight dip in form and Steve Waugh has probably been Australia's No1 player for the last eight years. Australia are a weaker side without the Waughs in than if they are playing."

Stewart is expected to take his place in a line-up ravaged by injuries, with Darren Gough ruled out following his lengthy spell on the sidelines with knee trouble while all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is not ready to return following his recent hernia operation.

The former England captain could even play as a specialist batsman and allow Foster what is likely to be a rare opportunity during the tour behind the stumps, particularly as Michael Vaughan is also unlikely to feature while he continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery at the end of the season.

Glamorgan fast bowler Simon Jones is also doubtful having not fully recovered from a side strain injury, but may be used in short bursts even though he is yet to bowl at full capacity since his arrival in Perth.

Former Australia Test players Richie Benaud, Neil Harvey and Dennis Lillee, the Lilac Hill patron, will be among the special guests at tomorrow's match.

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