PAK vs ENG: Rawalpindi Test' Decision To Be Taken On Game Day Due To Illness In England Camp

The 1st Test Match between Pakistan & England has been landed into some trouble. 14 members out of 16 have been dealt with weakness; due to this, there are chances that England’s playing 11 may have some changes as they had announced the playing 11 before 48 hours before the match.

This Test Series is considered to be an iconic one as England is playing a Test Match after a span of 17 years. According to the reports, 70% of the tickets have been sold which means that there would be an electric atmosphere present at the Rawalpindi Stadium.

PCB & ECB on Test Match

Both the boards have given a joint statement ahead of the Test Match. “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 statement said.

“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.” it added.

“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.” it concluded.

Conundrum for England

There are chances that England may have a new captain for the 1st Test Match. It is assumed that the England camp will require 1 day to be fit.  The Men in Green would be worried as this Test Series is extremely important for them as they have a solid chance of making it to the final of World Test Championship. (WTC 2021-23)

England fans would be hoping that the players would be back in action. Joe Root was seen interacting with the media and made it clear that he won’t captain the side. We can expect wholesale changes in England’s side which can spring a lot of surprises for the Pakistan Cricket Team.

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