If England’s players are unable to recover in time, the Rawalpindi test might be moved back by one day

According to the domestic cricket body in Pakistan, a decision regarding whether or not to play the first test match between Pakistan and England will be made early on Thursday morning. This comes after several members of the touring squad became unwell with a viral infection.

Up to seven of the touring side’s players, including captain Ben Stokes, were struck down on Wednesday, casting question on whether or not the match will go ahead as scheduled. This will be England’s first test match in Pakistan in 17 years. In addition, the same number of support staff members were let go.

According to a release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), “the two boards discussed the outbreak of a viral infection in the England camp and unanimously agreed to delay the decision on the commencement of the first Test until 0730 Pakistan time (02:30 GMT) tomorrow.” This information was included in the release.

According to the report, the decision was made after receiving medical advice from specialists in England.

The possibility of delaying the examination by one day will also be investigated by both boards. “The two boards also agreed that the Test will begin on Friday and that it will be a five-day contest, provided that the England players do not heal well enough to enter the field on Thursday morning.”

Jack Leach, England’s lone frontline spinner, has Crohn’s disease and is now experiencing symptoms of the condition. After contracting a stomach virus while on tour in New Zealand a couple of years ago, he went on to develop sepsis.

A spokeswoman for the England and Wales Cricket Board stated earlier that the symptoms, which included vomiting and diarrhoea, were not related to Covid-19. The players were affected by these ailments.

According to the statement, the two remaining tests would be played in accordance with their respective schedules in Multan (December 9-13) and Karachi (December 17-21).