Star player Babar Azam’s participation in Pakistan’s first Test against England remains uncertain due to an injury, with the series opener set to begin on August 19. The Pakistan Test captain suffered an injury after being struck on his right hand by a ball while batting on the second day of the team’s three-day practice match at Kent County Cricket Club.
Following an assessment by the team doctor and precautionary measures, Babar was advised to rest for the remainder of the practice match. Babar took part in a light training session at Headingley Ground on Monday, August 17. However, a final decision on whether he will play the first Test will be made after Tuesday’s practice session.
Babar Azam was struck on the hand once again during Pakistan’s warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham. The Pakistan batter was forced to retire hurt and did not return for the rest of the game, with the PCB describing the decision as a precautionary measure.
Pakistan reached Leeds on Sunday and held their first training session at Headingley on Monday, just two days before the opening Test of their three-match series. Babar spent a brief period batting in the nets. Although he showed no clear signs of discomfort, his session was notably short, offering little indication of his current condition.
Meanwhile, Shan Masood is likely to feature in his first Test match. The Pakistan Cricket Board had earlier confirmed that Babar would participate in the team’s practice session at Headingley Cricket Ground on Monday.
The latest update on Shan Masood was more encouraging. The Pakistan ex-captain suffered a fractured finger after being struck during the first Test against the West Indies, forcing him to sit out the second match of the series. He was also rested from Pakistan’s warm-up fixture against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham.
However, Masood showed positive signs during Monday’s training session, spending a considerable amount of time batting in the nets. Pakistan team manager Abbas said the final decision on his availability would depend on medical advice, adding that Masood completed the entire practice session and appeared to be in good shape.