September 29, 2008	Monday	Ramazan 28, 1429

NEW DELHI, Sept 28: Security measures for the Australian team on tour in India will be increased in the wake of the latest bomb blast in New Delhi, a cricket board official said on Sunday.

A blast in a crowded market on Saturday left two dead and 22 injured, raising fresh security concerns ahead of the four-Test series that begins in Bangalore on Oct 9.

New Delhi is to host the third Test from October 29.

“We are in touch with the Home Ministry,” Rajiv Shukla, the chairman of the board’s media committee, said.

“The security provided to the Australian team will be increased,” he was quoted as saying by Cricketnext website.

“An advisory has been sent to all state governments hosting the Tests. For now, the Delhi Test is on. There is no need to panic.” Saturday’s blast came a fortnight after 24 people were killed in a series of five bomb blasts in New Delhi. Meanwhile, the Australian squad’s security officer told the touring players to be extra careful following the bomb blast.

“We are a bit more cautious and the players have been advised accordingly,” Frank Dimasi said on Sunday as the Australian team finished their week-long training stint in Jaipur. “The security here in Jaipur has not been a problem.”

Australian squad spokesman Matthew Slade said Cricket Australia had been briefed about Saturday’s bombing.

“There’s a process that we have to undergo during such incidents to take a view of the situation,” Slade said. “It seems there is no immediate urgency to take any drastic step.

“If we have to do anything besides the normal security drill we will do it only after getting instructions from Cricket Australia,” Slade told the media in Jaipur.

“We don’t think there is going to be a problem, but something definite can be said only after collecting data and information related to team security.”

Australia will play the second practice match against Indian Board President’s XI in Hyderabad from Oct 2 to 5.—Agencies