The strike was called by opposition political parties in protest against alleged government mishandling of the country's flood disaster, and Adam Hollioake's England party were given a military police escort to their hotel.

The strike was not universally supported, leading to clashes in the city, and it seemed unlikely the knockout tournament itself, starting with New Zealand v Zimbabwe next Saturday, would be affected by demonstrations.

England's first match is against South Africa next Sunday, with the winners going through to the semi-finals. There will be play-offs for the finishing order.

David Graveney, chairman of England's selectors, said before the party flew out that World Cup selection remained ``an open door''.

India have replaced the off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh, 19, for the tournament with Nikhil Chopra after being advised by the International Cricket Council to omit him on the grounds of a suspect action. The ICC received adverse reports from two match referees in the recent Test in Zimbabwe.