Pakistan captain Babar Azam remains a major doubt for the first Test against England at Headingley, starting on Wednesday, August 19. The batter returned to the practice nets on Monday while recovering from a hand injury, but Pakistan will wait for medical clearance before confirming his availability.
The three-match Test series will begin on Wednesday, August 19, with Pakistan arriving in Leeds on Sunday for their final preparations. Notably, the visitors will look to start the England tour strongly after levelling their recent Test series against the West Indies with a victory in the second and final match.
Mohammad Abbas Provides Latest Update on Babar Azam
Babar Azam is doubtful for Pakistan’s first Test against England after aggravating a right-hand injury during the warm-up game against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham. He returned to the nets on Monday but batted only briefly.
The Pakistan batter was seen protecting his taped right index finger during the second Test against the West Indies. He then suffered another blow in Beckenham and retired hurt as a precaution, raising fresh concerns over his availability for the Test series in England.
Mohammad Abbas said that Pakistan will not rush the decision and will follow the advice of the medical team before naming the XI.
“Whether he plays or not will be a decision taken on match day. He did a few throwdowns and some batting practice today. But we'll have to follow medical advice for it,” Abbas said.
If Babar misses the Headingley Test, Saud Shakeel and Awais Zafar are likely to play in the middle order. Shakeel has added confidence after scoring a century in the warm-up match.
Shan Masood Returns to Training Ahead of Headingley Test
Pakistan also received encouraging news about former Test captain Shan Masood. He fractured his finger during the first Test against the West Indies and missed the second Test as well as the warm-up fixture in Beckenham.
Masood returned to the nets in Leeds and batted through the entire session. Abbas stated the batter is making good progress, although the final decision will still depend on the medical team.
“With Shan, too, we're just going to rely on the medical advice. Shan practised for the whole session and looked very good,” Abbas said.
Babar replaced Masood as Test captain before the West Indies series, while Salman Ali Agha led the team during the Beckenham practice match. However, Salman has not yet captained Pakistan in Test cricket.
Joe Root Returns as England Prepare for New Test Era
England will also enter the Headingley Test with changes in their leadership group. Joe Root has returned as Test captain after Ben Stokes retired from international cricket, while Marcus Trescothick will take charge as interim head coach for the Pakistan series.
Stephen Fleming has been appointed as England’s new Test head coach but will join the setup in December. Trescothick will oversee the England team preparing for the three-match series.
Pakistan and England will open the series at Headingley on Wednesday, August 19. With Babar’s fitness still uncertain and Shan Masood also awaiting medical clearance, Pakistan could make a late selection call before the first Test begins.
