Possible 24-hour delay in first Test match between Pakistan and England

Team Pakistan and visitors England are set to lock horns in the first of the three-match Test series scheduled to commence on December 1, Thursday. However, the reports of players of the English team falling sick due to an unknown virus could have an effect on the first Test match.

It is understood that the officials of the two teams are discussing over a 24-hour delay in the contest ahead of the first Test match in Rawalpindi. However, there is still no official confirmation on the matter. As per reports, nearly 13-14 members of the Three Lions squad have contracted an unknown virus which was earlier thought to be ‘food poisoning’.

The spokesperson of the ECB confirmed the cases of illness and that the players were experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea. Furthermore, it has also been confirmed that none of the cases are related to the Covid-19 virus.

Earlier on Tuesday, some of the players complained that they were feeling unwell and were advised to stay in their rooms in order to limit the spread of the virus. Among those affected are skipper Ben Stokes and veteran pacer James Anderson.

Don't think it is food-related, says Joe Root

Joe Root too showed symptoms but he has recovered well as he trained with the side on Wednesday. Root who spoke to the media ahead of the first Test, stated that the side is facing an ‘unfortunate’ scenario.

"It is unfortunate we are in this situation, but we don't think it is food-related. The thing is we have been trying to bring a chef away with us for a couple of years now. This is the first opportunity we have had to do it. Look at all the other international sporting teams around, even Premier League and Championship teams have their own chef, so we think from a nutrition and performance side of things, we are trying to do everything we can to optimise ourselves and be in the right position to perform,” said Root.