Babar Azam remains a major doubt for Pakistan’s opening Test against England as he continues to recover from a finger injury. Pakistan will make a late decision on his availability after the medical panel assesses his condition.
Babar suffered an impact injury to his right hand while batting during Pakistan’s second Test against West Indies. He then took another blow to the same hand during Pakistan’s warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham.
The blow forced Babar to retire hurt, and he did not return to the match. The Pakistan Cricket Board described his decision to leave the field as a precaution.
Pakistan reached Leeds on Sunday and held their first training session at Headingley on Monday, two days before the three-match Test series begins. Babar spent a short period batting in the nets. He showed no obvious signs of discomfort, but he did not stay for a long session.
Pakistan bowling coach Mohammad Abbas said the medical panel and selection committee had yet to make a final decision on Babar.
“Whether he plays or not will be a decision taken on match day,” Abbas said. “He did a few throwdowns and some batting practice today. But we’ll have to follow medical advice for it.”
If Babar misses the Test, Pakistan could bring both Saud Shakeel and Awais Zafar into the middle order. Shakeel missed the West Indies series but strengthened his case with a century in the warm-up match. Zafar made his Test debut in the second Test against West Indies.
Shan Masood makes encouraging progress
Pakistan also received a positive update on Shan Masood. The Test captain suffered a fractured finger during the first Test against West Indies and missed the second match as a result.
Masood did not take part in the warm-up game in Beckenham, but he completed a longer batting session during Monday’s training.
“With Shan, too, we’re just going to rely on the medical advice,” Abbas said. “Shan practiced for the whole session and looked very good.”
Masood’s return would give Pakistan another important option ahead of the opening Test. However, the team will wait for the medical assessment before confirming his availability.
Babar’s potential absence could also create a leadership challenge for Pakistan. He took over the Test captaincy from Masood at the start of the West Indies series. Salman Agha led Pakistan during Babar’s absence in the Beckenham warm-up, but he has never captained Pakistan in Test cricket.
Pakistan now face a crucial decision ahead of the first Test at Headingley. The team will wait until match day before confirming whether Babar and Masood can take part.
