Less security for Pakistan Tests compared to ODIs - Bayliss

Trevor Bayliss, the Sri Lanka coach, has defended match referee Chris Broad, for his comments on the lax security at Lahore. Broad had accused the security forces of fleeing the scene of the terrorist strike against the Sri Lanka team bus, saying they had "left us to be sitting ducks". This led the Pakistan board to lodge a complaint with the ICC.

Bayliss said the security for the Test series was less than that provided during the preceding one-day series and the 2008 Asia Cup.

"Security measures were certainly less than when [we] were there for the Asia Cup in July the year before and when we [were] there for the one-day series only a month before [the attack] and probably different between Lahore [second Test] and [the first Test in] Karachi," Bayliss told the Australian.

"In Karachi we had the small trucks out the front and some behind but we also had a truck either side of us with guys standing up through the roof with a fixed machine gun on either side. That wasn't there in Lahore so there was probably a little bit less in Lahore than in Karachi and definitely less than what was seen when we were there for the one-day series a month before."

Bayliss, who escaped the attack with no injuries, said that Broad, who said he was "angry with the Pakistani security forces", was merely stating his version of events and added that there would be a big difference in comments made by those who came under fire and those who did not.

"All Chris Broad has done as have the other officials is tell the truth as they saw it," Bayliss said. "What we saw from a terrorist point of view is they know no boundaries. It wouldn't matter if you were a person on the street or a sportsman, or a politician, they are after the widest audience they can get. If that meant attacking Sri Lankan (cricketers) they knew they would get maximum exposure and that sadly is what they got.

"I can understand from the Pakistan Cricket Board's point of view [against Broad]. They would be very disappointed they are not going to have too much cricket in Pakistan for the next few years. They are trying to limit the damage, in hindsight there simply wasn't enough [security]."

The terror attack in Lahore has raised questions over the security of players during the IPL, which is scheduled to begin in April, with several international stars voicing their concerns over traveling to India. Bayliss, however, said that the Sri Lankan players planned to take part in the tournament.

"That's more of an individual choice," he said. "I think the Sri Lankan players, most of them if they're fit, will go. I think that most of them are fairly keen that cricket must continue and that terrorism can't stop sport and they should show a united front. When it comes to the crunch though, when your life's on the line, it might be a different story."