Udal suspects key pair will pull out

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England had to abort their one-day international series and fly home after last month's Mumbai terror attacks, and the pair have been identified as the most likely to opt out of any return.

"If the safety concerns are met, there is a duty of care to go to India. I think there are only two or three people big enough within the team set-up and strong enough personalities to make the decision not to tour," Udal told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme. "Flintoff and Harmison are the only two with the character to make that decision, and for it not to be held against them."

England's premier all-rounder and strike bowler would be badly missed in India - and could also be confident of winning back their place in the team afterwards.

"You can't do without them - they are match winners, and world class performers," Udal explains.

"They are going to get back into the side. It is easier for them rather than the fringe players.

"I've got a feeling they are not going to go. I hope they both do go. But they are strong individuals and will make their own decision, and I don't think it should be held against them."

Other players cannot afford to think along the same lines.

"Robert Croft was one of the two who refused to go on the 2001 tour to India after 9/11," Udal recalls.

"That was pretty much the end of his England career from that decision onwards. So if you are a fringe player trying to force your way in, they will have a massive decision to make not just for now but for the future."