The Australia A camp has been hit with a health scare in the ongoing unofficial ODI series in Kanpur. As many as four players, including skipper Jack Edwards were diagnosed with stomach infection.
Ahead of the series decider, pacer Henry Thornton was admitted to Regency Hospital as he was the worst affected by the stomach infection. Thornton's three teammates were discharged after routine medical tests and medication. As per the sources, Australian team blames food at the hotel for stomach infection. However, the hospital and the team management have not confirmed it.
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As per Australian team's local manager, Thornton showed symptoms of a severe infection and was kept under observation. He was discharged ahead of the third and last game of the series.
Australian team’s reaction to health scares
To avoid any further issues, the Australian team management tweaked the players' diet plan. It has led to a change in training routines as well. In addition, a medical unit has advised players to do away with the local food and water on temporary basis.
28-year-old Thornton was in good form in the unofficial Test series. He picked up a four-wicket haul, including the scalps of Narayan Jagadeesan, Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel, all part of the current Test squad.
No issue with food served to Australians?
Following the incident, the food department collected samples from the hotel kitchen. Upon testing, the results showed no contamination in the food served to the Australian. Responding to the accusations, the hotel management said that players have fallen ill due to changes in weather conditions, not the food.
BCCI Vice President’s reaction on matter
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla was of similar opinion.
"The hotel in question is among the best in Kanpur. If the food was the cause, then all players would have been affected. It's something that still needs to be looked into carefully," he said.
The third and the final game of the series is scheduled to be played on October 5.
Australia A’s One-Day squad -
Mackenzie Harvey, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cooper Connolly, Lachlan Hearne, Jack Edwards (c), Lachlan Shaw, Harry Dixon, Liam Scott, Will Sutherland, Sam Elliott, Tanveer Sangha, Todd Murphy, Tom Straker, Henry Thornton.