Xtra Time Web Desk: The first test between England and Pakistan to go ahead as schedule despite a virus attack in visitor’s camp. The test match will begin at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from Thursday.
The England and Wales Cricket Board in a statement said that they had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board that they are in a position to field an XI, and, as such, the first Test will commence as per schedule today at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
An ECB spokesperson said on Wednesday that symptoms of the illness included vomiting, diarrhoea, chills and aches. Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope and Joe Root reported for Wednesday’s practice session at the stadium in Rawalpindi – taken by head coach Brendon McCullum – with the rest of the squad remaining at their Islamabad base.
The illness, which is believed to be a virus, affected at least 13 members of the touring party, with around half of them in the playing squad, including captain Ben Stokes.
The two boards decided on Wednesday that a decision on the start of the first test will be made on Thursday morning in the hope that England’s players may recover overnight, which now appears to be the case.