Rawalpindi: The first Test match between Pakistan and England tomorrow (December 1) may be delayed as several English players and officials fell ill, JEE News reported on Wednesday.
The English cricket team has suffered a major blow, with 14 members of the squad, including eight players, reportedly infected with a virus ahead of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
England will play the first Test in Pakistan tomorrow for the first time in 17 years.
Report published by JEE News said that England captain Ben Stokes and other team members including officials have been infected with the virus.
The report said that ‘England’s squad, including captain Ben Stokes, has been infected with the virus on the occasion of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi’.
“Around 14 members of the traveling party of players and coaches were advised to rest in a hotel on Wednesday.
“Around half of the squad of 16 players have been affected, with only five taking part in optional training sessions.”
Only Harry Brook, Zac Crowley, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope and Joe Root took part in today’s optional training session, according to a brief statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
However, the ECB did not mention the number of people affected by the viral disease.
Meanwhile, JEE News, citing sources, has reported that the two boards are discussing the possibility of delaying the first test.
Officials familiar with the development said a final decision would be made once the players are available based on the England doctor’s assessment.
After the first match in Rawalpindi, the second Test will begin on Friday, December 9 in Multan, and the final Test of the tour will begin on Saturday, December 17 at the National Stadium in Karachi.
📍 Pindi Cricket Stadium
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🇵🇰 and 🏴 teams gear up for the first Test 🏏#PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/3Oefafimxd
England have already named their team for the first Test, with Lancashire all-rounder Liam Livingstone making his Test debut while Nottinghamshire batter Ben Duckett returns to the side for the first time since 2016 and will open the batting with Zak Crawley.
After the first match in Rawalpindi, the second Test moves to Multan starting on Friday, December 9, and the final Test of the tour will take place at the National Stadium in Karachi, commencing on Saturday, December 17.
England XI for first Test
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Liam Livingstone, Jack Leach, Ollie Robinson, Jimmy Anderson.
