England dump 20/20 contingency plan

ECB had begun formulating plans to play against an International X1 should Pakistan pull out of the tournament following the tampering row.

England have ditched their contingency plans following Pakistan's assurance they will fulfil the one-day obligations of their tour, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive David Collier confirmed on Saturday.

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The ECB had begun formulating plans to play against an International X1 should Pakistan pull out of Monday's Twenty20 international following the furore caused by the final Test ball-tampering row, while West Indies had been set to fill in for the one-day series.

However, following Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahriyar Khan's confirmation to both English counterpart David Morgan and the International Cricket Council the ECB have shelved thoughts of back-up opposition.

"Our contingency plan has now been stood down following the unequivocal commitment from the PCB to fulfill the remainder of the tour and we now look forward to an exciting NatWest international Twenty20 at Bristol on Monday and the five-match NatWest Series," said Collier.

"ECB has received outstanding support and co-operation from full member nations and counties.

"ECB also wishes to thank the 12 players who had agreed to play in the International XI and the management team who had been invited to support the International XI."