Xtra Time Web Desk: The England cricket team led by Ben Stokes will be accompanied by a chef during their upcoming tour to India. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have decided to send a chef with the test squad to India following the health crisis during their 2022 Asian tour to Pakistan, marked by food poisoning among squad players and team management.
England will be maintaining its “bringing-your-own-chef” policy for the upcoming seven-week India tour. Contrary to concerns about local food quality, the decision prioritizes player well-being. England team management emphasizes that it doesn’t reflect a lack of trust in Indian hotels but aims to ensure players, especially those avoiding spicy food, consume nutritious meals instead of relying on energy bars and pizzas.
According to a report in The Telegraph, England’s chef will join the team in Hyderabad before the first Test on January 25, aligning with players’ nutrition plans and preferences. The England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) choice follows positive feedback from players after their 3-0 series win in Pakistan.
Despite retiring from ODIs, Ben Stokes reversed his decision, making himself available for the 2023 World Cup after leading England to level the Ashes 2-2. Opting for knee surgery after England’s failed title defense, Stokes is expected to regain full fitness, likely leading England in the upcoming five-match Test series in India starting in two weeks.
England’s test squad for series against India: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root and Mark Wood
For more sports news: Click here