Babar Azam's Fitness in Question Ahead of England Test Series

Babar Azam's Injury Update

Leeds [UK], August 17 (News Media): The Pakistan cricket team is still deliberating on Babar Azam's status for the first Test against England, as the newly appointed Test captain has resumed batting practice following a hand injury.

As reported by the ICC, Babar sustained a blow to his right hand during a warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI, when a rising delivery from England Under-19 bowler Manny Lumsden hit his bottom hand while he was batting at five runs.

The 31-year-old had to withdraw from the remainder of the practice match as a precaution after being evaluated by the team doctor. This injury raised concerns since Babar had previously injured the same hand during Pakistan's tour of the West Indies.

On Monday, Babar returned to the nets at Headingley, engaging in throwdowns and batting drills. However, his practice session was relatively short, and the team management is exercising caution as the first Test approaches, set to begin on Wednesday.

A statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) indicated, “Following an assessment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to rest for the remainder of the practice match. He will participate in the team’s practice session on Monday, August 17, at Headingley Cricket Ground.”

Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas confirmed that a decision regarding Babar's participation will be made closer to the match day. “Whether he plays or not will be a decision taken on match day,” Abbas stated during a media conference, according to the ICC. “He did a few throwdowns and some batting practice today. But we’ll have to follow medical advice for it.”

Babar's fitness will be closely monitored as Pakistan gears up for their three-match ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series against England. As a crucial part of the batting lineup, Babar has recently been reinstated as the Test captain.

Under his leadership, Pakistan's last Test series in the West Indies concluded in a 1-1 draw, with the visitors achieving an eight-wicket victory in the second Test, breaking a streak of eight consecutive overseas Test losses.

In positive news for Pakistan, Shan Masood has returned from injury just in time for the England series.

The first Test is scheduled to take place at Headingley from August 19-23, followed by the second Test at Lord's from August 27-31, and the third at Edgbaston from September 9-13.

In the World Test Championship standings, England is currently in seventh place with a points percentage of 24.36, while Pakistan sits in eighth with 22.22.

Pakistan Test squad: 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.