A health scare hit the Australia-A camp during their ongoing One-Day series against India-A in Kanpur, as four players, including the captain, were diagnosed with stomach infections. While India-A had won the first unofficial ODI comprehensively, Australia-A levelled the three-match series 1-1 with an easy nine-wicket victory in the second ODI.
Fast bowler Henry Thornton was the most affected and was admitted to Regency Hospital after his condition worsened. The other three players were treated and discharged following routine medical tests. Team sources suggested the illness may have been linked to food consumed at the hotel, though neither hospital authorities nor team management have confirmed this officially.
According to the team’s local manager, four players were initially sent to the hospital for examination. While three were cleared to return after their reports came back normal, Thornton exhibited symptoms of a severe infection and had to be kept under observation. He was later discharged once his condition improved and allowed to return to the hotel.
In response to the incident, the Australian team management revised the players’ diet plan as a precautionary measure. Though the adjustment has disrupted training routines, officials emphasized that player health remains the top priority. All four affected cricketers had featured in the opening ODI of the series.
Team sources added that the Australia-A medical unit is closely monitoring the situation and has advised players to avoid local food and water temporarily. Doctors at Regency Hospital confirmed that Thornton’s condition is now stable, though his return to action will depend on further medical evaluation.
Meanwhile, the Food Department collected samples from the hotel kitchen for testing but reported no contamination or irregularities in the food served. The hotel management denied any link between its food and the illness, attributing the episode instead to changes in weather conditions.
Speaking on the matter, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla said, “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.”
The health setback has momentarily disrupted Australia-A’s preparations, but officials remain confident that all players will make a full recovery ahead of the next fixture.
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