Pakistan-England Test to go ahead as scheduled at Rawalpindi

As many as seven England players had fallen sick just 24 hours ahead of the contest, but the tourists announced they had enough players to field a side.

Information:

About the decision:

The inaugural Test between Pakistan and England will commence as scheduled later on Thursday after the Ben Stokes-led side informed they had enough players to field an eleven for the clash at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

England had announced their final XI for the clash on Wednesday, but might alter their side if players are still struggling with the illness.

Statement:

Words from ICC:

"The ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) has informed the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) 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," England Cricket said in a statement, according to ICC.

Information:

Regarding the health of the players:

England's preparation for the first Test, which is their first in Pakistan in 17 years, suffered a major blow after 14 members of the touring side including captain Ben Stokes, caught a viral infection. The unwell players are being monitored and have been advised to rest, and as a result, they did not participate in the final practice session at the Rawalpindi Stadium on the eve of the match.

England had already named their playing XI for the game, with Liam Livingstone in line for his Test debut and Ben Duckett back in the side after six years.

Root said that England would still look to field the named XI, but admitted changes could be made if anyone fails to recover in time.

Importance of this series from the ICC World Test Championship point of view:

The series is crucial for Pakistan as they hunt for a place in the ICC World Test Championship 2021/23 Final. They are currently fifth in the table with a point percentage of 51.85 and will need to win as many of their remaining five Tests to remain in contention.

England's chances of making the Final remain mathematically possible, but they're realistically out of the race after a poor start to their campaign. They are placed seventh in the standings with a points percentage of 38.6.

England squad: Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Will Jacks, Keaton Jennings, Jack Leach, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood, Rehan Ahmed.

Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc & wk), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Zahid Mahmood.