England’s first Test in Pakistan could be delayed after virus sweeps through camp

A final decision on whether the first Test between Pakistan and England will start on time will be taken tomorrow morning after over a dozen members of the England camp went down with a virus.

A combined statement from the PCB and ECB said that both boards had “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.”

“The two boards made the decision based on medical advice from the England doctors, which revolved around the players’ health and welfare, agreeing that the England cricket team are able to select an XI for the first of the three ICC World Test Championship matches.”

Crucially, a decision was made that if England players are not fit enough to take the field tomorrow then the fixture will be delayed by 24 hours and will be a five-day match that commences on Friday. The second and third Tests, scheduled for Multan and Karachi, remain unaffected and will be played as per the original schedule.

Concerns over the health of the England players began yesterday with a handful of the squad beginning to complain of feeling unwell, before news broke this morning that roughly half the playing squad and 13 to 14 members of the camp as a whole had succumbed to a virus that is not believed to be related to either Covid or food poisoning.

Both sides were believed to be keen to play tomorrow, although England also wished to ensure they had as much time as possible to best assess the health of their players and it was agreed that giving both parties the maximum amount of time possible was the best decision. The virus is not believed to have currently impacted any Pakistan players.

The possibility of a delayed start tomorrow was ruled out as an option meaning if the England players are unable to make their way to the ground as planned at 8am, the first day will be moved back to Friday.

Earlier today, Joe Root spoke on the possibility of a postponement, stating that: “It’s such a monumental tour and important series for so many reasons. We’ve waited 17 years to come to Pakistan to play a Test match.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily the worst thing in the world if we have to wait one more day to make sure the game isn’t cancelled and everyone gets what they want, which is an exciting three-match series.”