Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam suffered a scare ahead of the first Test against England after being struck on his right hand during the team’s warm-up game against a Professional County Club Select XI. Babar retired hurt after scoring just five runs on the second day of the practice match in England.
The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that Babar will not take any further part in the warm-up fixture, describing the decision as precautionary. The batter is expected to resume training on Monday as Pakistan prepare for the opening Test against England at Headingley on August 19.
Babar Azam Injury Scare Raises Concerns Ahead of England Test Opener
Pakistan captain Babar Azam was forced to retire hurt after being struck on his right hand during the second day of the team’s three-day warm-up match against a Professional County Club Select XI. Babar managed only five runs before leaving the field, creating concern just days before Pakistan’s opening Test against England.
The Pakistan spokesperson confirmed that Babar will not return for the remainder of the practice game but is expected to be back in training on Monday. “Babar will participate in Pakistan team’s practice session on Monday at Headingley Cricket Ground.” Meanwhile, Pakistan were bowled out for 238 in response to the PCC’s 305, with England spinner Shoaib Bashir taking four wickets for 76 runs and teenage pacer Manny Lumsden claiming 2/24.
The PCC reached 128/3 by stumps, extending its overall lead to 195 runs. England opener Emilio Gay also endured another difficult outing, falling for a second-ball duck after edging Mohammad Ali behind. Gay had been hoping to build match fitness after a recent shoulder injury suffered while playing for Durham in the One-Day Cup.
Pakistan Set for First Test Series in England Since 2020
Babar Azam’s Pakistan are set to play a Test in England for the first time since 2020, ending a long gap since their last red-ball series on English soil. The teams have met in several limited-overs series in the UK since then, while Pakistan also hosted England for Tests, but the upcoming Leeds fixture will mark their first Test encounter in England in more than six years.
Pakistan currently sit ninth in the World Test Championship standings after drawing their recent Caribbean series 1-1, leaving their hopes of reaching next year’s final slim. However, Babar’s side will be aiming for a bigger prize — winning a Test series in England for the first time since 1996. The three-match series begins in Leeds before moving to Lord’s from August 27-31 and Birmingham from September 9-13.
