DORSET'S Development XI were left kicking their heels on Thursday when their game with India's Young Cricket Academy had to be scrapped due to an inexplicable no-show from the tourists.

The Dorset side, along with manager Sean Walbridge, arrived at Dean Park in the morning and carried out their warm-up as usual in preparation for the scheduled 40-over game.

But with still no sign of the tourists at 10.30am and with the start scheduled for 11am, frantic phone calls began to try and track down the missing Indians.

No contact could be established with the touring party and when rain began to fall at lunchtime, it seemed the game would be washed out.

As conditions dried up, hopes of a 20-over game were raised, though the sides needed to be finished before the Taylor Cup final, which was due to start at the ground at 6.15pm.

But with still no word from their opponents, Dorset decided to give up hope and head home just before 3pm.

A big question mark now hangs over Friday's scheduled game against a Bournemouth XI at Chapel Gate.

David Ridley, of Bournemouth CC, had been liasing with the Academy over the visit and admitted he had no idea what had happened to the tourists.

He said: "We know they arrived in London on Tuesday and their whereabouts is a mystery to everybody.

"We have a contact in the UK who organises their tours when they come over, but we couldn't get hold of him. The team couldn't give us a mobile number when we asked as they said they would be buying a British SIM card when they got here as it was cheaper.

"But they were given all my contact numbers so there is no excuse for not contacting us. We just hope nothing untoward has happened to them."

An e-mail was sent to Ridley by Academy chairman Mohammed Ali Fathah on June 20 confirming details of their touring party.

Last night, Ridley was desperately exchanging e-mails with India to try and find out what had happened to the Academy side.

Dorset manager Sean Wal-bridge said: "We got a bit concerned as it was getting towards 11am and there was still no sign of them.

"It's a shame as it would have been a great opportunity for our boys to take on a good side."