Babar Azam's Fitness in Question Ahead of England Test Series
Babar Azam's Injury Update
Pakistan has not yet confirmed Babar Azam's status for the opening Test against England, as the newly appointed Test captain has resumed batting practice following a hand injury.
Details of the Injury
As reported by the ICC, Babar sustained a right-hand injury during a warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI. A rising delivery from England Under-19 bowler Manny Lumsden hit his bottom hand while he was batting at five runs. Due to the injury, the 31-year-old had to retire from the match as a precaution after a medical evaluation. This injury raised concerns since Babar had previously injured the same hand during Pakistan's tour of the West Indies.
Cautious Return to Practice
On Monday, Babar returned to the nets at Headingley, engaging in throwdowns and batting drills. However, his practice session was brief, and the team management is exercising caution as the first Test approaches, set to begin on Wednesday.
Official Statements
A media release from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated, "After an assessment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to rest for the remainder of the practice match." It was confirmed that he would participate in the practice session on August 17 at Headingley Cricket Ground.
Mohammad Abbas, a pacer for Pakistan, indicated that a decision regarding Babar's participation would be made closer to the match day. "Whether he plays or not will be a decision taken on match day," Abbas mentioned during a media conference, as reported by the ICC. "He did a few throwdowns and some batting practice today, but we must adhere to medical advice."
Upcoming Series Schedule
Babar's fitness will be closely monitored as Pakistan gears up for their three-match ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series against England. Babar is a crucial part of the batting lineup and has recently been reinstated as Test captain. Under his leadership, Pakistan's last Test series in the West Indies concluded in a 1-1 draw, with the team achieving an eight-wicket victory in the second Test, breaking a streak of eight consecutive overseas Test losses.
Positive news for Pakistan includes Shan Masood's return from injury ahead of the England series. The first Test is scheduled at Headingley from August 19-23, followed by the second at Lord's from August 27-31, and the third at Edgbaston from September 9-13. In the World Test Championship standings, England ranks seventh with a points percentage of 24.36, while Pakistan is eighth at 22.22.
Pakistan Test Squad
The Pakistan Test 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.