England players hit by illness in Pakistan by AFP

---

Event:

England in Pakistan 2005/06

---

DateLine: 5th November 2005

 

England suffered a scare when four members of the squad were taken ill ahead of a three-day warm up match beginning Sunday against Pakistan A.

 

Batsman Kevin Pietersen, new-ball bowler Matthew Hoggard and spinners Shaun Udal and Alex Loudon are suffering from a variety of viral throat and stomach ailments, coach Duncan Fletcher said.

 

Fletcher said the four may be rested for the game against Pakistan A which starts on Sunday in the eastern city of Lahore.

 

"All these four have been suffering from illness but hopefully they will recover in a few days. All four may be rested," said Fletcher.

 

The first Test between Pakistan and England starts on November 12.

 

Pietersen and Hoggard both played vital roles in the summer's Ashes winning team against Australia.

 

Foreign visitors often suffer stomach problems when visiting the subcontinent -- where it is jokingly known as "Delhi Belly" in India and "Islamabad Intestine" in Pakistan, after their respective capitals.

 

Cases of cold and flu have also increased in Pakistan due to the recent rapid change in the weather between summer and autumn.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)