PAKvsENG 1st Test likely to be postponed after 14 England players fall sick due to viral infection

PAKvsENG 1st Test likely to be postponed after 14 England players fall sick due to viral infection: Dark threats loom over Pakistan vs England 1st Test at Rawalpindi after as many as 14 cricketers of the touring party including skipper Ben Stokes have fallen sick due to a viral infection. The England Cricket Board (ECB) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are working to reach a solution following the infection.

The sources confirm that the players are experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea due to viral infection. All the players have been asked to stay indoors to prevent the further spread of the virus until the next notification.

As per the reports, only Joe Root, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Keaton Jennings and Ollie Pope have shown no signs of illness ahead of the 1st Test which is slated to begin on Thursday (1st December 2022).

“We are in discussions with the PCB regarding the start of the first Test due to a viral infection within our camp,” wrote England Cricket in a statement release following the outbreak. 

“The PCB and ECB are in discussions regarding the commencement of the 1st #PAKvENG Test as some England players are down with viral infection. The PCB continues to monitor the situation, is in contact with the ECB and will provide further updates in due course,” write PCB on their Twitter account. 

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Interestingly, England are touring Pakistan for a test tour since 2005. The two sides engaged in a seven-match T20I series in September.

Earlier in the day, Joe Root was quoted as saying by India Today that his mates aren’t feeling well. Even he felt a little uneasy last morning, but he is doing a lot better.

“As far as I’m aware, a few guys are not feeling 100%,” India Today quoted Root as saying, adding, “I didn’t feel great yesterday and I woke up a lot better today. So hopefully it’s a 24-hour virus. Don’t think it’s like food poisoning or COVID or anything like that.”

England have already announced its playing11 for the 1st test against Pakistan. Liam Livingstone is set to make his debut at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Meanwhile, Ben Duckett will open the innings with Zak Crawley for England.

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