Australian pacer Henry Thornton was rushed to a Kanpur hospital after suffering from a suspected case of food poisoning during the India A vs Australia A one-day series at Green Park Stadium. The fast bowler experienced severe stomach infection symptoms and was admitted to Regency Hospital, where he remained under medical supervision for two days.
According to sources close to the team, Thornton’s illness began after consuming food at the team hotel. Initially monitored by the medical staff, his condition worsened, prompting immediate hospitalization. Senior doctors treated him for gastrointestinal complications, and he has since made a full recovery and rejoined the squad.
Reports indicate that Thornton had been dealing with minor gastro symptoms even before reaching Kanpur, but the situation escalated after arrival. Following the incident, the Australian team management implemented stricter dietary and hydration protocols to ensure player safety. Additionally, three other players complained of mild stomach issues, though none required hospital admission.
Australia A’s Strong Comeback Levels the Series
Despite the health scare, Australia A bounced back impressively to defeat India A by nine wickets in the second unofficial ODI, levelling the three-match series 1-1. After India A was bowled out for 246 in 45.5 overs, rain shortened the Australian chase to a 25-over target of 160 runs.
Openers Jake Fraser-McGurk (36 off 20) and Mackenzie Harvey (70 off 49)* gave a blistering start with a 57-run stand. After Fraser-McGurk’s dismissal, Cooper Connolly (50 off 31)* joined Harvey to put up a dominant 103-run unbeaten partnership, securing victory in just 16.4 overs.
Earlier, India A struggled at 17/3 after early wickets from Jack Edwards and Will Sutherland. However, Tilak Varma (94) and Riyan Parag (58) revived the innings with a 101-run stand before a middle-order collapse derailed the momentum. Lower-order runs from Harshit Rana (21) and Ravi Bishnoi (26) pushed the total to 246. Edwards was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets.
The commanding chase by Australia A set the stage for a thrilling series decider in Kanpur on Sunday, promising more top-tier cricket action between the two competitive squads.