The best time of the week for us came on Friday when we got out on the Harare Sports Club and practised what we are good at, and that is playing cricket. What I find disappointing is bringing young players on a tour like this, and then they have had to be in meetings where they have had to listen to stuff other than cricket."The position we were put in is not one we feel comfortable with because we are professional cricketers, and that is what we do best. This was the first time he had spoken since 13 journalists were temporarily banned from Zimbabwe and the tour was almost cancelled last week.Yesterday it was again the events of the last week, rather than today's game, which dominated proceedings "I have not enjoyed the last few days at all," he admitted "I have been dealing with things other than cricket. If anything like this did arise then I am sure that the tour would be looked at in a different light. It could possibly lead to the tour being called off but I hope to God that does not happen.

We have a plan should that happen but the tour will be constantly assessed throughout the whole week.Vaughan looked tired as he addressed the media but, after the week he has had, he had every right to be. But should anything like this occur, the ECB would have little option but to call the tour off."We are fully aware that Robert Mugabe, or one of his senior ministers, may turn up," admitted Vaughan. "But we made it clear before the tour, and it was confirmed by the chairman [of the ECB] this morning, that the team will not be put in a position where they have to shake the hand of any government official. But this does not prevent Mugabe or any of his senior ministers from attending any of the four matches, should they want to.If they do turn up and a government official attempts to meet Vaughan's team, England's players will be put in a terrible position.

Images like those never go away.The England captain said yesterday that the ECB have a plan for this eventuality but refused to reveal it. There is a much used picture of Michael Atherton introducing his side to Mugabe in 1996, and another of the England football team giving a "Heil Hitler" salute when they played Germany in Berlin before the Second World War. But they won't be able to. Robert Mugabe's official residence sits directly opposite the entrance to this delightful ground. Armed troops patrol its perimeter, and they are not there to prevent the president of Zimbabwe from leaving his home. Michael Vaughan's squad would love to be able to concentrate solely on their cricket when they arrive at the Harare Sports Club this morning for today's first one-day international against Zimbabwe. The proximity of Mugabe's house means that England will play their two matches in Harare - the second is on Wednesday - fearing that the patron of Zimbabwe Cricket may fancy crossing the road to watch a couple of hours' play.The England and Wales Cricket Board have told Zimbabwe Cricket that they will not attend any official functions, or meet any members of Mr Mugabe's government, during their 11-day visit.