Security for the opening match of England's Ashes tour has been beefed up in the wake of the Bali car-bomb attack. England meet an Australian Cricket Board Chairman's XI at Lilac Hill, in the heart of the Swan Valley wine-growing region in the north-east of Perth.

"We have to be careful and make sure the players are adequately protected," said Kath White, the chief executive of the Western Australian Cricket Association.

Since England arrived in Perth three days ago, security has been much tighter that for previous touring sides. A greater number of uniformed security men have been present at all practice sessions at the WACA. England supporters and young autograph-hunters have not been allowed in the ground to watch practice. Even - heaven forbid - journalists and photographers have only been allowed to view practice from clearly defined areas.

Officials said a tighter cordon of security would be provided around players of both sides at Lilac Hill as a consequence of the Bali tragedy and new ICC demands.

As part of its campaign to eliminate corruption in cricket, ICC has also insisted that only authorised staff and officials can deal with players on match-days. Security will be especially tight in the roped-off player enclosure, just in front of the pavilion.

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