England have another 5000 or so kilometres to travel before they land in Chennai and hopefully someone will get close enough to the team to recognise the players and confirm that they have indeed arrived. Security is bound to be a bigger bugbear than the traditional Indian welcome which comprises confusion and noise in equal measure, but the players are not likely to complain.
The Indian captain, we must remember, has an entourage of 22 policemen protecting him and an escort car every time he drives out of his home - so we can understand the scale of these things. According to newspaper reports, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is unhappy with this meagre protection, and expressed his unhappiness by ditching his security and riding to the airport on his own. Kevin Pietersen is unlikely to do likewise.
The reactions to England’s return have ranged from the cynical to the upbeat. On the sceptical side of the ledger are such reasons as money, bargaining chips at the IPL, ensuring that the Champions League is not affected, while on the positive side are support for a country which has suffered, a way to tell the terrorists off and belief that whatever happens, the show must go on.
Pessimists have been quick to point out that a cancellation might have split the cricket world along racial lines, a line of argument one has been hearing for sometime now, whether the sticking point is yet another Indian being hauled up for misbehaviour or an occasional protest about the way India is running world cricket.
Perhaps there is no single reason for England’s return. Even those who honestly believe they are going ahead with the series in order to cock a snook at terrorists cannot be unaware of the business advantages of such a stand. And those who hope this will mean the IPL will look kindly upon a short-term individual contract would be just as pleased to be lauded for seeing the larger picture.
Yet, whatever the reason or combination of reasons, India have reason to be grateful to the players for coming back. It is not yet official - that will happen when Reg Dickason gives the all-clear - but when they do, sacrificing quality time with the family at home for the uncertainty in a foreign country, the Indian board must acknowledge the enormity of the decision.
It will be the first step towards showing the world that neither the Commonwealth Games nor the World Cup in 2011 needs to be in danger of being taken away from India. Perhaps mixed with the relief will be somewhat warmer feelings towards a neighbour whose cricket has suffered because no one wants to go there.
If India understand the frustration of being an outcast and the joy that comes with acceptance, then they have a responsibility to tour Pakistan next month. Things might change between now and then, but in principle at least India must accept that what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.
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