PAK vs ENG: England Players Infected With Unidentified Virus

Nov 30, 2022, 13:10 IST

Big blow for the England team, as multiple players were affected by an unidentified virus ahead of the historic Test against Pakistan, which begins on Thursday at Rawalpindi.

According to British media, up to 14 members of England's travelling party have been infected with the illness. Joe Root, Zac Crawley, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, and Keaton Jennings attended the optional training session on the eve of the series opener, while the others were advised to rest. Except for the injured Mark Wood, the entire squad trained the previous day. According to the report, the virus's symptoms are unrelated to Covid-19.

The Pakistan Cricket Board postponed the series trophy unveiling event due to Stokes' absence, it will now take place on Thursday, ahead of the first Test toss.

England has already chosen its playing XI for the first game of the three-match series, with all-rounder Liam Livingstone likely to make his Test debut, and Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley designated as openers.

We have named our XI for our first Men's Test against Pakistan!

🧢 A Test debut for @liaml4893
👋 Welcome back @benduckett1

🇵🇰 #PAKvENG 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/Clellsv9C4

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 29, 2022