Pakistan Test team captain Babar Azam will not play in the first Test match against England in the upcoming three-match Test series.
Babar Azam was hit on the finger by fast bowler M. Lumsden during Pakistan’s three-day practice match against the Professional County Club Select XI last week.
Babar immediately appeared to be in pain and dropped his bat. After receiving medical treatment from the team’s medical staff, he left the field.
This was the second time in a month that Babar Azam had been hit on the hand by a ball. He had earlier suffered a similar blow during Pakistan’s Test series against the West Indies.
Although Babar Azam was seen training with his national team teammates at Headingley, a decision on his participation in the first Test against England had yet to be made.
Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas said during a press conference at Headingley on Monday that the PCB medical team will make the final decision on Babar Azam’s availability on the day of the match.
The first Test of the series between Pakistan and England is scheduled to begin tomorrow, August 19, in Leeds.
Also Read, Babar Azam faces fitness concerns ahead of England Test opener