The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given an update regarding Test skipper Babar Azam’s condition after he was hit in the right hand during the second day of the ongoing three-day practice session at Kent County Cricket Club.
Babar was hit by a ball while he was batting and he was checked by the team doctor, the PCB revealed. He has been advised to rest for the rest of the practice match as a “cautionary” measure.
The PCB announced that Babar’s return to training is expected and he will be coming into the Pakistan practice session on Monday, August 17 at Headingley Cricket Ground.
Babar was bowled out in the warm-up match against the PCC Select XI on Friday, and suffered a blow to the finger.
It was on the last ball of the 39th over, when Babar was struck on the hand by a sharp delivery from fast bowler Manny Lumsden.
Read more: Australian player comments on Babar Azam on-field: fans react
The blow seemed to have caused him pain and he seemed to be in agony. He let go of his bat and was given first aid before leaving the field. Babar had scored five runs from 17 balls when he was retired hurt.
The incident has come on the heels of the earlier one where Babar was hit on his hand in April. He also had the same unfortunate incident in the recent Test series against the West Indies.
Pakistan were at 127 for 2 from 44 overs with Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel at the crease when the innings ended.
The other player was Azan Awais, who was bowled out for 15 off 66 and Imam-ul-Haq responded with a 37, off 71 balls, which included five fours.
The Pakistan side will keep a check on Babar’s condition as he will be back in training on Monday and preparations will be made for the next Test assignment.
Also read: Babar Azam suffers finger injury during Pakistan warm-up match