England team down with infection,1st test vs Pak likely to be postponed

The first Test between England and Pakistan could be postponed after around half of the touring side's players, including captain Ben Stokes, were struck down by an unspecified virus a day before the match. “Several players and staff members, including England captain Ben Stokes, are feeling unwell and have been advised to stay at the hotel to rest up,” said the England and Wales Cricket Board in a statement. The Pakistan cricket board said on Wednesday that it was discussing next steps with the England and Wales Cricket Board. 

The PCB and ECB are in discussions regarding the commencement of the 1st #PAKvENG Test as some England players are down with viral infection. The PCB continues to monitor the situation, is in contact with the ECB and will provide further updates in due course.

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 30, 2022

Former captain Joe Root told reporters that "a few guys were not feeling 100 per cent," but did not provide details on individual players and possible changes to the starting XI. Root on Wednesday dismissed the possibility of his team teammates falling ill due to food poisoning ahead of the first Test match in Rawalpindi, saying "it is just I think one of those things that we, unfortunately, picked up as a group".