Giles thinks ruling body should take final decision

The England spinner Ashley Giles maintains it must be a group, rather than individual, decision whether the team play their World Cup match in Zimbabwe.

The England and Wales Cricket Board have faced increasing pressure from the Government, including Prime Minister Tony Blair, to boycott their 13 February match in Harare in protest at President Robert Mugabe's regime and its record of alleged human rights violations.

The ECB, through its chief executive Tim Lamb, have requested an urgent meeting with the Government in an effort to find a solution to the problem. England's captain, Nasser Hussain, has reiterated his belief the players need as much political guidance as possible before making an informed decision.

Giles, who was yesterday named in the 15-man England party for the tournament, believes it is far too complicated an issue to ask players to decide for themselves. The Warwickshire spinner told Sky Sports News: "All I have been thinking about for the past week is whether I was going to make the tour party or not, and not so much worried as to whether I was actually going to play in Zimbabwe."

He added: "I will play wherever I am told to, or wherever we decide to as a team, or as a board to play, then I will go along with that. I think a decision has to be made as a whole. It is a dangerous situation to start asking individuals to make choices. I hope it does not go that way.

"I had not thought about it much and will take it as it comes. If I have to make any major decisions, then I will make them when I have to."

Giles was selected despite breaking his wrist in the build-up to the Adelaide Ashes Test over a month ago, and has ousted the off-spinner Jeremy Snape from the final squad. The left-arm bowler insists there will be no questions over his fitness by the time the World Cup starts in around six weeks.

"I am going to be fully fit when the World Cup comes round," he insisted, "so there was no concern there – it was just a selection issue. It was a big surprise. I have been waiting for the news and am delighted."