Sources say Pakistan and England cricket boards are discussing the possibility of postponing the first Test; a decision is expected after a medical assessment.
RAWALPINDI: The first Test match between Pakistan and England, scheduled to be played tomorrow (December 1), may be delayed as several England players and officials fell ill, reported on Wednesday.
In a significant blow to the England cricket team, 14 members, including eight players, have reportedly been affected by the virus ahead of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
England was due to play the first Test in Pakistan for the first time in 17 years tomorrow.
A report published by the BBC said that the virus affected England captain Ben Stokes and other team members, including the officials.
“The England team, and captain Ben Stokes, has been affected by the virus before the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi,”
“Around 14 members of the team, including players and coaches, have been instructed to rest in a hotel on Wednesday.
“Around half of the 16-man team were affected, with only five taking part in possible training.”
According to a brief statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), only Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, and Joe Root took part in today’s optional training session.
ECB did not mention the number of people affected by the virus.
Meanwhile, citing sources said that the two boards are discussing the possibility of postponing the first Test.
Officials privy to the development said a final decision would be taken once the players are available following an assessment by the England doctor.
After the first match in Rawalpindi, the second Test transfers to Multan starting on Friday, December 9. The tour’s final Test will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi beginning on Saturday, December 17. England has already named their squad for the first Test, with Lancashire all-rounder Liam Livingstone making his Test debut. Nottinghamshire batsman Ben Duckett will return to the side for the first time since 2016 and open the batting with Zak Crawley.
