WORCESTERSHIRE chief executive Mark Newton is pleased that Stephen Moore and Steven Davies are returning home following the terror attacks in Mumbai.

The County duo have been out in India with the England Performance Programme (EPP) squad but, after Wednesday night’s terrorist attacks, the England and Wales Cricket Board arranged to fly the team home.

The squad are due to leave their Bangalore base tonight after a day of uncertainty surrounded by tight team security.

“It’s the sensible thing for them to return,” Newton said. “Their safety must be paramount.

“Given what they were there to do, I’m delighted that they are coming home safely.”

Moore said the EPP squad stayed in their Bangalore hotel following the Mumbai attacks and were told not to wear anything with the England emblem on.

The EPP were set to play the first of two matches in India on Sunday before travelling to Mumbai on Wednesday.

But today the ECB announced their tour was being scrapped and that the players would return to the UK.

The County have been in contact with both Moore and Davies, while Newton said he has been in regular contact with Moore’s wife Ruth.

“Ruth was obviously a bit worried when she heard what had happened in Mumbai but Stephen got in touch straight away to tell her that he was safe,” Newton said.

“She understands what is going on. It is a huge relief that they are coming home.”

The tour to India with the EPP squad was Moore’s first taste of being in an England squad.

But, in his blog on the cricket club’s website prior to the news they were leaving, the South African-born batsman said the terror attacks had put the tour into perspective.

“Suddenly, things that seemed important aren’t any more,” Moore wrote.

“The television was showing all sorts of horrific images and we are all shocked and saddened by it and we hope for the best for all the people in Mumbai.

“My feelings are split. There is an instinct to be with your loved ones at a time like this and there is nothing I would like more than to see my wife.

“I am also aware, though, that the people who do this kind of thing are trying to disrupt our way of living.

“So there is a part of me that hoped the Tests would continue and we would stay here to show them that these acts will not affect the good people who just want to live a normal life.”

The ECB have already postponed the remaining full one-day internationals in India and the squad will fly home tomorrow before returning for the two Tests next month.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India have also postponed the inaugural Twenty20 Champions League tournament which Middlesex Crusaders and former Worcestershire overseas player Steve Magoffin were due to take part in.