Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam was forced to leave a warm-up game early after taking a painful blow to his hand, raising concerns about his fitness just days before the start of the three-match Test series against England.
Babar was batting on five for the Professional County Club Select XI when an awkward rising delivery from England Under-19 pacer Manny Lumsden struck his bottom hand. The Pakistan star immediately appeared uncomfortable and, after receiving attention, decided not to continue his innings.
Babar Azam advised to rest as precaution
The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that Babar had been assessed by the team doctor following the incident. While there was no immediate indication of the seriousness of the injury, the team management opted to take a cautious approach with its captain.
The decision means Babar will not take any further part in the practice fixture. The extent of the injury remains unclear, leaving Pakistan supporters waiting for further updates before the Test series gets underway. For Pakistan, the timing is far from ideal. Babar remains one of the most important batters in the side and will be expected to play a significant role against an England attack likely to test the visitors with pace and movement.
“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,” the PCB said in a media release, as quoted by the ICC.
Pakistan receive positive update on Babar
Despite the initial concern, Pakistan have received some reassurance regarding Babar’s immediate plans. The PCB stated that he is expected to return to training on Monday, August 17, at Headingley Cricket Ground. That session could provide the first meaningful indication of whether the hand problem is merely a precautionary concern or something that could affect his participation in the opening Test.
Pakistan will be particularly keen to avoid taking any unnecessary risks with their captain. With only two days between the scheduled practice session and the beginning of the Test series, Babar’s recovery will be closely watched by the team management. The Pakistan batter’s presence would also provide stability to a lineup that will need to cope with challenging English conditions.
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England series carries WTC importance
Pakistan enter the England series after drawing their most recent Test assignment in the West Indies 1-1. The result ended a difficult sequence of eight consecutive overseas Test defeats, with Pakistan producing an eight-wicket victory in the second match to level the series.
Their three-Test series against England begins on August 19 and forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Both teams currently find themselves near the bottom of the standings, making the series particularly important in terms of their championship campaigns. England sit seventh with a points percentage of 24.36, while Pakistan are eighth on 22.22.
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