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On the eve of the third and final unofficial ODI against India A, the Australia A camp was hit with a massive setback. As many as four Australia A players were down with stomach infection, handing a major blow to the side ahead of series decider. As per the team sources, their captain and three others were affected with the stomach bug and fast bowler Henry Thornton was the most affected.
Things worsened for Henry as he was even admitted to the Regency Hospital who exhibited severe infection and was kept under observation. However, other three players also underwent routine check-ups but were discharged within hours. While the sudden outbreak disrupted their training sessions, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla opened up on the same.
Idhar-udhar se koi infection aa gaya hoga: Rajeev Shukla on Australia A players sudden illness
Speaking to the media, the BCCI VP said, “If there had been an issue with the food, all players, including the Indian players, would have fallen sick. It must have been something else.” “They are being fed from one of the finest hotels, Hotel Landmark; food is good, and everyone is eating the same. Since a few players have fallen ill, idhar-udhar se koi infection aa gaya hoga (They must have contracted an infection) and we are handling it,” he added.
Rajeev Shukla further added, “The issue arises because there aren’t many hotel. We need 300 rooms in a five-star hotel, and that’s not available. There is no international airport in the area that operates 24 hours a day. Had better arrangements been in place, they would have gained an advantage.”
As far as the series is concerned, India A won the three-match unofficial ODI series by 2-1 margin. While they won the first unofficial ODI by 171 runs, Australia leveled the series with a nine-wicket win in a rain-marred game. In the third ODI, India came back from behind to seal a close two-wicket win and claimed the series.
