PAK vs ENG: Decision on start of First Test to be taken 2.5 hours before the match
Babar Azam (Source: AP Newsroom)
After some serious deliberation over an illness issue caused by a viral infection, the fate of the first Test between Pakistan and England to be played at Rawalpindi will be decided approximately two and a half hours before the match i.e 8 AM IST.
The decision was taken by the medical team after considering all the factors in mind with possible resolutions that included delayed start by a day.
With around 14 members of the squad having to deal with the bug, there are reports that the side might tinker with the playing XI that they announced previously.
Incidentally, Joe Root was also suffering but recovered within 24 hours which gave an indication that the mess could be cleared up in a day or two.
What the statement mentioned
"The Pakistan Cricket Board and England and Wales Cricket Board today discussed the outbreak of viral infection in the England men’s Test team camp and 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 (Thursday).
"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, which will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
"The two boards also agreed, subject to the England players not recovering well enough to take the field on Thursday morning, then the Test will commence on Friday and will be a five-day match. In this scenario, the schedule of the second Test in Multan and the third Test in Karachi will remain unaffected and will be played as per original schedule i.e. 9-13 and 17-21 December, respectively."
Also Read: PAK vs ENG | 1st Test | Preview, Probable Playing XI, Live Streaming, Fantasy Tips
.jpg?im=Resize=(250, 250) "Arnav Chopra")
