Virus outbreak in ENG camp could delay 1st Test in Rawalpindi

England and Pakistan have determined to delay the beginning of the first Test between the 2 nations as a result of an outbreak of virus within the Three Lions’ camp.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board and England and Wales Cricket Board today discussed the outbreak of viral infection in the England men’s Test team camp and unanimously agreed to delay the decision on the commencement of the first Test, which is due to start on Thursday, until 0730 Pakistan time tomorrow (Thursday),” an ECB launch said.

“The two boards also agreed, subject to the England players not recovering well enough to take the field on Thursday morning, then the Test will commence on Friday and will be a five-day match. In this scenario, the schedule of the second Test in Multan and the third Test in Karachi will remain unaffected and will be played as per original schedule i.e. 9-13 and 17-21 December, respectively,” it added.

We have agreed with @TheRealPCB to delay the choice on the graduation of the primary Test, which is because of begin on Thursday, till 2.30am GMT (7.30am native) tomorrow.#PAKvENG

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 30, 2022

Earlier within the day, England’s preparation for the opening take a look at was thrown into disarray by a virus sweeping by means of the camp. Captain Ben Stokes is amongst a number of England gamers who skipped Wednesday’s non-obligatory coaching session after being laid low by the bug.

Former captain Joe Root was one among 5 gamers who did attend. “As far as I’m aware, a few guys are not feeling 100%,” Root instructed a information convention.
“I didn’t really feel nice yesterday and I awakened quite a bit higher immediately. So, hopefully, it’s a 24-hour virus. Don’t assume it’s like meals poisoning or COVID or something like that.

“We are trying to do absolutely everything right to make sure we are prepared for this game.”

England have named their beginning 11, giving a take a look at debut to Liam Livingstone and recalling Ben Duckett to open with Zak Crawley.

England are on their first take a look at tour of Pakistan since 2005. They have employed a chef for the tour after receiving suggestions from gamers who visited Pakistan in September-October for a seven-match T20 sequence.

(With Reuters inputs)