Four players to make debut for Pakistan with first Test set to be played as per schedule
England team were affected by viral infection yesterday
RAWALPINDI: Four players will make their debut for Pakistan against England with first Test set to be played as per schedule in Rawalpindi.
The players who are making their debut for Pakistan include pacers Haris Rauf and Mohammad Ali, leg-spinner Zahid Mehmood and batter Saud Shakeel.
This is the first time after 2003, against Bangladesh in Karachi, that Pakistan have handed Test caps to four players in a single match.
During the Bangladesh Test nearly two decades ago, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Gul, Shabbir Ahmed and Yasir Hameed made their debut for the national side.
Yesterday, it was feared that the match would be delayed after several England players were affected due to a viral infection.
"The ECB has informed the PCB that they are in a position to field an XI, and, as such, the first Test will commence as per schedule today (Thursday, 1 December) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium,” the PCB said in a brief statement on Thursday morning.
According to BBC, the England squad members who have been affected by the virus also includes captain Ben Stokes.
“The England squad, including captain Ben Stokes, has been affected by a virus on the eve of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi,” the report stated.
“Around 14 members of the travelling party of players and coaches were advised to rest at the hotel on Wednesday.
“About half of the playing squad of 16 has been hit, with only five taking part in an optional training session."
After the first match in Rawalpindi, the second Test moves to Multan starting on Friday, December 9, and the final Test of the tour will take place in Karachi, commencing on Saturday, December 17.
