PTI
 
Vadodara, Feb 22: England were grappling with fitness problems ahead of their practice game against Board President's XI beginning here tomorrow, with the climate and conditions getting the better of as many as five of their players.

Middle-order batsman Paul Collingwood was ruled unfit as he was yet to recover from the back spasm that affected him during the warm-up game in Mumbai last weekend while four other players were reported sick on the eve of the match at IPCL Grounds.

Crucially for England, it was their bowling quartet which was laid down by a stomach virus -- reverse swing talent Simon Jones and three spinners -- Shaun Udal, Monty Panesar and Ian Blackwell.

Consequently, the visitors will make a decision on their playing combination on the morning of the match which is the only first-class fixture ahead of the first Test beginning on March one in Nagpur.

Adapting to the change from the cold weather back home to the tropical heat has been a major challenge for England. Their task is bound to grow as they move away from cool sea breeze of Mumbai where they arrived about 10 days ago.

On the other hand, the host team, led by Venugopala Rao, was in vibrant mood.

The squad for the first Test is to be announced tomorrow but that has not stopped the talented bunch from being enthusiastic about the opportunity to play against a visiting Test team.