England players rue venue change

England's players have expressed their disappointment that next month's World Cup match against India has been moved from Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The ICC announced on Thursday that the iconic 100,000-capacity stadium would not be ready to host the Group B match, due to be played on February 27, because of concerns over "cricket operations, media, broadcast and sponsorship facilities".

Stuart Broad wrote on his Twitter page: "Shame Eden Gardens not ready for World Cup, our game vs India there would have been special with 100,000+ crowd". Fellow pace bowler Chris Tremlett, who is not part of England's World Cup squad but is the most likely bowling replacement following doubts over Tim Bresnan's fitness, said: "Obviously it's not ideal. I think in a few big tournaments there seems to be things that are left to the last minute."

He added: "I'm sure that they'll find ways around it, but it is a shame because I'm sure a lot of people have booked plane tickets and supporters have paid a lot of money to go out there.

"I hope they can sort it out and hopefully it won't affect the team as well. Hopefully they can sort that out."

England are currently preparing for Sunday's fifth one-day international against Australia in Brisbane, a match that itself was under threat due to the floods that decimated south Queensland two weeks ago.

A change of venue had been mooted then and Tremlett said with a month to go until the India fixture he expected England would be able to rearrange their plans without disturbing preparations.

"If you expected to be in certain places then possibly it could distract you in some way, but unexpected things happen. Look at the floods that have happened here - this game might not have happened," he added.

"As an international player surprises come along and you just have to deal with it. There are certain distractions but it is just one of those things.

"Whatever is thrown at us we'll take it and wherever we play we'll be there."