Babar Azam Suffers Hand Injury Ahead of England Test Series

Pakistan's Test captain Babar Azam has sustained a hand injury during a warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI. The injury occurred when he was struck by a delivery from an England Under-19 bowler. While the extent of the injury is still unknown, the Pakistan Cricket Board has advised him to rest. As the team prepares for a crucial Test series against England starting August 19, Babar's fitness will be closely monitored. The squad also welcomes back Shan Masood from injury, adding to their hopes for a successful series. Stay tuned for further updates on Babar's condition and the upcoming matches.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 15, 2026, 11:41 IST

Injury Update on Babar Azam

Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan Test team, faced a setback during a warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI, as reported by the ICC. While batting at five runs, he was struck on his bottom hand by a rising ball from England Under-19 bowler Manny Lumsden. The impact caused visible discomfort, leading to Babar's withdrawal from further batting in the match.

Monitoring Babar's Condition

The severity of Babar's injury remains unclear, but his fitness will be closely observed as Pakistan gears up for their upcoming Test matches. As a pivotal player in the batting order, any injury to Babar could pose challenges for the team ahead of their Test commitments.

PCB Provides Update on Babar's Health

"After a thorough evaluation by the team doctor and taking necessary precautions, Babar has been advised to rest for the remainder of the practice match," stated a media release from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as cited by the ICC.

"Babar is expected to join the Pakistan team's practice session on Monday, August 17, at Headingley Cricket Ground," the release added.

Upcoming England Series

Pakistan recently concluded a Test series in the West Indies, finishing with a 1-1 draw, which ended a streak of eight consecutive overseas losses, highlighted by an eight-wicket win in the second Test.

The team is set to kick off a three-match Test series against England on August 19. This series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, with England currently positioned seventh in the standings at a points percentage of 24.36, while Pakistan sits in eighth place at 22.22.

Pakistan is optimistic about Babar Azam's recovery before the series, especially with the return of Shan Masood from injury.

Pakistan Test Squad for the England Series

The squad includes: Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah.