Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has suffered a hand injury during a warm-up match ahead of the national team’s first Test against England, raising concerns over his availability for the upcoming series.
Babar was struck on the right hand while batting on the second day of Pakistan’s three-day practice match against the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI at Kent County Cricket Ground. Following an assessment by the team’s medical staff, he was advised to take the remainder of the match off as a precautionary measure.
Babar retires hurt after being hit on finger
The incident occurred on the final delivery of the 39th over when pacer Manny Lumsden delivered a sharp ball that hit Babar on the finger.
The Pakistan captain immediately showed signs of discomfort, dropped his bat and received treatment from the medical staff. He subsequently left the field after scoring five runs off 17 deliveries.
The injury is particularly notable because Babar was struck on the hand during Pakistan’s recent Test series against the West Indies as well.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the batter was advised to rest after being assessed by the team’s doctor.
“Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam while batting during the second day of the ongoing three-day practice match at Kent County Cricket Club was struck on the right hand by a ball,” the PCB said in a statement.
“Following an assessment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to take rest from the remainder of the practice match,” it added.
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Babar expected to resume training
Despite the injury scare, there has been no indication that Babar will miss Pakistan’s opening Test against England.
The PCB said the right-handed batter is expected to join the team’s next practice session at Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds on August 17.
The session will be an important opportunity for the Pakistan team management to assess Babar’s recovery ahead of the Test series.
Pakistan will be hoping that the injury does not develop into a more serious problem, particularly with the first Test approaching. Babar remains an important part of the team’s batting line-up and will be expected to contribute with the bat while leading the side in England.
For now, the PCB’s decision to rest him from the remainder of the practice game appears to be a precautionary step aimed at ensuring the captain is fully fit before the competitive series begins.
