Pakistan Cricket Team Hit by Viral Infections Ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup Clash Against Australia
In a surprising turn of events, the Pakistan cricket team has been struck by viral infections just before their crucial clash against Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup. Four players, including batsmen Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel, as well as pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Zaman Khan, have been affected by the infections.
According to ESPNCricinfo, most of the players have either recovered or are in the process of recovering, and as a result, they did not participate in the optional practice session held on Tuesday. It has been reported that Abdullah is currently in quarantine due to flu and fever. Additionally, Usama Mir also fell ill with flu when Pakistan played against India in Ahmedabad on Saturday. However, Afridi is expected to be fit for the match against Australia, and the good news is that none of the players have shown any symptoms of dengue.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated in a release, Some players got fever in the past few days and most of them have fully recovered from it. Those who are in the stage of recovery remain under the team medical panel’s observation.
Interestingly, Indian star batter Shubman Gill had missed two games recently due to dengue but managed to recover just in time to play against Pakistan.
The Pakistan cricket team arrived in Bengaluru on Sunday after playing against India. While Pakistan has won two games and lost one, Australia has only just secured their first victory against Sri Lanka, having previously lost to India and South Africa. Pakistan also suffered a defeat in their previous match against their arch-rivals, India.
The squads for both teams are as follows:
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
The news of the Pakistani players falling ill with viral infections just before their important match against Australia is certainly a setback for the team. However, with most of the players recovering or on the path to recovery, Pakistan will be hoping to have their full squad available for the game. On the other hand, Australia will be looking to build on their recent victory and maintain their winning momentum in the tournament. It promises to be an exciting clash between two strong teams vying for victory in the ICC Cricket World Cup.
