Cricket: NO EXCUSES; KP warns players they have to perform.

Byline: By MYLES HODGSON

KEVIN PIETERSEN has issued strict "no excuses" instructions to England as they attempt to move on from security issues and focus on the major task of winning a Test series in India.

Since being appointed as captain last August, Pietersen has been forced to deal with several issues away from cricket, including the vast riches at stake for the Stanford showdown and England's failure to overcome those distractions in Antigua.

But his biggest test yet has been over the last 10 days when he has successfully rallied his team and persuaded them to return to India for a two-Test series in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on Mumbai.

Few would blame England if they were badly beaten in the series, which begins at the Chepauk Stadium tomorrow, after their preparation was severely disrupted by a spell at home considering the security implications of their return.

Pietersen, though, sets high standards and when he leads his team out for the start of the series, he will not accept any excuses if they struggle against India's in-form line-up.

"You could say we can't lose in this situation, but that's also a way of looking at things negatively and finding excuses - I don't want any excuses about what has happened," said Pietersen.

"There is to be no nonsense said about what has happened. I told the boys this morning that it's a case of coming to this Test match series like it would be in England.

"We travelled on Monday, we'll practise on Tuesday and Wednesday and play on Thursday. What has happened has happened and we can't control it, but we're in a very privileged position to be playing Test match cricket in India and we've got to deal with it in a professional manner."

Pietersen and the rest of the squad attempted to halt the endless talk about security yesterday by issuing a joint statement following a team meeting when they pledged to donate half their match fees from the opening Test - around pounds 35,000 - to a fund to help the families affected by the Mumbai attacks.

They also underlined their desire to help the Indian people through their healing period, but above all they want to atone for a dismal start to their winter - defeat in the Stanford showdown and in the five one-day internationals against India - by delivering a performance

in these two Tests.

"The main focus now is definitely on the Test series," Pietersen insisted.

"It hasn't been a great start to the winter, there's been so much that's happened in the last six weeks and it's now a case of getting on and concentrating on the cricket.

"We need to chuck everything away that's happened in that six weeks to make sure that now our primary goal and focus is to try and win this Test match series."

To achieve that, England will have to try to block out the circumstances surrounding their build-up to the Test with evidence of increased security following their every step.

Now cricket is at the top of the agenda, Pietersen and the selectors have several issues to address before they name their line-up for the opening Test.

Wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose's place would seem under threat following an unconvincing series at home to South Africa, but Matt Prior was no more impressive during the recent one-day series in India.

They also have to find a replacement in their attack for Stuart Broad, who is still nursing the hamstring strain he sustained during the one-day series, while Owais Shah's form during the one-day series will have to be considered.

"There are a lot of cricket issues to think through," added Pietersen. "My head has been given a full working over during the last few days.

"The last six weeks haven't been ideal but over the last three days there have been sleepless nights trying to figure out things.

"It's been emotional trying to work out what players are going to do and what team we were going to bring and now we've got a full squad it means we can choose from that. The cricket brain has switched on and decisions have to be made.

TODAY: First Test (day 1 of 5) Dunedin: New Zealand v West Indies (23.00)

CAPTION(S):

England coach Peter Moores; Kevin Pietersen (right) talks to senior pros Steve Harmison (left) and Andrew Flintoff