Ian Bell, Tim Ambrose and Andrew Flintoff are among those stopping off at Dubai airport on their way to the Abu Dhabi training camp

Bell opts for a diet soda, while Samit Patel takes the regular version, with training set to begin on Friday afternoon

Graeme Swann and James Anderson make their selections; they are joined by performance squad member Sajid Mahmood

After a coach transfer to their hotel in Abu Dhabi, Kevin Pietersen is just one of a first-choice squad looking for a comfortable bed

His team-mates include Steve Harmison, who had voiced reluctance about returning to India after the Mumbai terror attacks

ECB managing director Hugh Morris is heading off to Chennai to check on security arrangements for the first Test; he is due to report back on Sunday night before a final decision in India is made

Meanwhile, England begin net practice on Friday; Bell tries sweeping using a modified bat with no edges

Close friends Flintoff and Harmison take time out to chat

...while nearby local players take part in a more energetic game

Later, Paul Collingwood says: "We have to believe we are playing two Test matches. That's the mind-set. There cannot be any indecision"