Everyone Fit And Available To Play, Joe Root Clarifies After Reports Surfaced Of England Team Hit By Stomach Bug

England captain Joe Root has clarified that all England players are fit and raring to go for the fourth Test match against India at the Motera stadium in Ahmedabad. This clarification came after reports had surfaced that the English camp has been hit by a sickness bug.

It was reported by IANS, that a sudden rise in temperature here has affected the visitors with a few members, including assistant coach Paul Collingwood, reportedly suffering from diarrhea. Even Captain Joe Root had said that yes the camp has been affected but didn’t confirm how many were affected.

There’s Been A Little Bit Of Stuff Flying Around: Joe Root

England captain Joe Root, as per IANS reports, had stated that the team management are keeping an eye on the people affected, without mentioning how many of the players or staff are down with the stomach bug.

“There’s been a little bit of stuff flying around. We’ll keep monitoring it. To be honest, I don’t know exactly who’s been affected badly at this stage but it’s just really important we try and give everyone the best chance of being available for selection ahead of this game,” Root told British media.

In the other camp, Indian captain Virat Kohli confirmed that his players were fit and fine with none of the players contracting any ailment.

“There are no health concerns or health issues. Everyone is fit and fine. Probably, (England players) would have been caught by a change in weather. It has been pretty hot over the last couple of days. It was pretty pleasant the first few days. That obviously becomes a factor at this time of the year when the weather changes rapidly. It takes a bit of time to adapt,” said Kohli while speaking to the media on Wednesday.

Everyone Trained, All Available For Selection: Joe Root Downplays Illness

England captain Joe Root, however, later said that all the England players and affected members were fit and raring to go for the fourth Test. He said that everyone trained ahead of the all-important Test match. The English captain did not specify the nature of the illness but said he has a full squad to choose from.

“The guys are fit and available for the game tomorrow. That gives us a little more time to name the squad. So, everyone in that way is as prepared as they would have liked it for the Test match,” he added.

India needs to win or draw this Test match in order to qualify for the final of the ICC WTC and meet New Zealand at Lord’s on June 18.

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