SICKNESS BUG HITS ENGLAND CAMP

ENGLAND’S under-pressure cricketers have been fighting a sickness bug that has spread through the camp since their chastening third Test thrashing. A number of players have been laid low since they were beaten in just over five sessions in Ahmedabad last Thursday, which has added to Joe Root’s problems as he attempts to salvage a share of the series in the final Test which starts tomorrow at the same venue. ‘There’s been a bit of stuff flying round and we’ll keep monitoring it,’ admitted Root yesterday. ‘I don’t know who’s been affected badly at this stage but it’s just really important we try and give everyone the best chance of selection.’ At least every player in the squad was able to train yesterday when England stepped up preparations after Root had encouraged them to ‘get away from cricket for a few days’ after being bowled out for 112 and 81 to lose the third Test by 10 wickets. The member of the camp worst affected by sickness, according to an England spokesman, was assistant coach Paul Collingwood but he was also able to play a part in training. ‘We’ve had a bit of time to reflect on things and use that time to our advantage,’ added Root, who up until yesterday had not suffered from sickness himself. ‘We tried to rest up mentally before attacking these training days as well as possible. We’ve had some good conversations and the last couple of days the guys have got stuck in and worked really hard. This is still a huge game for us and it would be a brilliant achievement to leave here at 2-2.’