Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s availability for the first Test of the three-match away series against England remains subject to medical clearance, with the final decision expected on match day.
Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas confirmed on Monday that Babar’s fitness will be assessed by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical team before the opening Test, which is scheduled to begin on August 19.
The uncertainty comes after Babar suffered a blow to his finger during Pakistan’s three-day practice match against the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI in Beckenham last week.
Babar Forced to Leave Practice Match
The incident occurred during the final delivery of the 39th over when pacer Manny Lumsden bowled a sharp delivery that struck Babar on the finger.
The Pakistan captain immediately appeared to be in discomfort. He dropped his bat and received treatment from members of the medical staff before leaving the field.
Babar had scored just five runs from 17 deliveries before the injury forced him to stop batting.
The latest incident is particularly notable because it was the second time in a month that Babar had suffered a blow to his hand. He was also struck on the hand during Pakistan’s recent Test series against the West Indies.
PCB Advises Babar to Rest
Following the incident, the PCB confirmed that its medical team had advised Babar to sit out the remainder of the practice match as a precaution.
The decision was taken ahead of Pakistan’s three-match Test series against England, with the first match scheduled to start on August 19.
The PCB subsequently indicated that Babar would take part in Pakistan’s next practice session at Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds.
His participation in that session was therefore seen as an important step in determining whether he would be ready to face England.
Babar Azam injured ahead of England Test series, advised to rest
Babar Trains at Headingley
Babar was seen training alongside his Pakistan teammates at Headingley, providing some encouragement regarding his fitness.
He completed throwdowns and took part in batting practice, suggesting that the injury had not prevented him from participating in all cricket-related activities.
However, his involvement in the training session did not automatically guarantee his selection for the first Test.
Speaking at a press conference at Headingley, Mohammad Abbas stressed that the medical team would have the final say.
“Whether he plays or not will be a decision taken on match day,” Abbas said when asked about Babar’s fitness and availability.
“He did a few throwdowns and some batting practice today. But we’ll have to follow medical advice for it,” he added.
Pakistan Await Final Medical Clearance
Babar’s potential absence would be a significant consideration for Pakistan ahead of the opening Test, given his importance to the team’s batting lineup and his role as captain.
However, the team management appears unwilling to take unnecessary risks with his fitness, particularly after he has been hit on the hand twice in a relatively short period.
The PCB medical team is expected to continue monitoring the injury before the match. A final assessment on match day will determine whether Babar is fit enough to take the field against England.
For Pakistan, the immediate priority will be ensuring that their captain is fully fit rather than rushing him back before he receives the necessary medical clearance. Fans will therefore have to wait until match day to know whether Babar will lead Pakistan in the opening Test of the series.
