Shahzad latest England player to fall ill

Fast bowler Ajmal Shahzad became the latest England player to fall ill on the eve of their crucial World Cup clash against the West Indies.

But the good news for England was that captain Andrew Strauss and key off-spinner Graeme Swann were both back in action after missing Tuesday's training session because of illness.

"I am feeling very well, thank you for asking," Strauss said at the Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.

"I was laid low the night before last and yesterday morning but I feel fine now.

"Graeme Swann is recovering well and should be practising today. I don't know if he's quite as buoyant as I am but we are still pretty confident that he will be fine for tomorrow.

"Ajmal Shahzad has been struck by it and won't practise today. I'm not sure whether it will affect his chances of being selected tomorrow."

England, who've suffered shock defeats by both Ireland and Bangladesh at this tournament, must beat the West Indies to have a shot at the quarter-finals, although they will still need other results to go their way.

Defeat would signal the end of the Ashes-holders and World Twenty20 champions' World Cup campaign.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.