Several of players, including captain Ben Stokes, were struck down by an unknown virus ahead of first Pakistan Test
30 November, 2022
PHOTO: Stuart Broad/Twitter/ICC
England Test squad found themselves in a difficult situation on the eve of the first Test match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi as several of its players, including captain Ben Stokes, were struck down by an unknown virus.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said they were discussing the next steps with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regarding the commencement of the Test.
ALSO READ: PAKvENG: First Test likely to be postponed due to illness of England players
Meanwhile, England pacer Stuart Broad decided to have some fun and tweeted the photos of former England captain Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain with the caption, "An option?" as a response to the tweet by the two cricket boards.
An option? @Athersmike @nassercricket pic.twitter.com/0VG6FGQRMr
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) November 30, 2022
Not to be left behind in the social media banter game, Hussain immediately replied to Broad's comment with, "Siri show me the opposite of Bazball !!!".
In what can see as a great example of self-depricating humor, Hussain pretty much suggested that the approach of both the former greats was quite opposite to the attacking fashion in which England has started batting in Test cricket since Brendon McCullum took over as coach of the Test side and Ben Stokes assumed the captaincy.
Siri show me the opposite of Bazball !!! https://t.co/q8P9dH6qEw
— Nasser Hussain (@nassercricket) November 30, 2022
Broad responded with another photo of Rob Key, the current Managing Director of the England Cricket team, and asked him to bat at No.3. All three, Nasser, Atherton and Key, are in Pakistan.
Top 3 sorted @robkey612 pic.twitter.com/4S3caDie2X
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) November 30, 2022
England are on their first Test tour of Pakistan in 17 years, following their Twenty20 side playing seven matches in the country two months ago, taking the series 4-3.
Problems with food and players becoming ill during the Twenty20 series led to the decision to bring a chef, Omar Meziane, who also worked with the England men's football team at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and at Euro 2020.
England and Pakistan will contest a three-Test series with the second in Multan beginning December 9 and the third in Karachi from December 17-21.
