Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s participation in the first Test against England is in serious doubt as he continues to recover from a finger injury.
Babar suffered an impact injury to his right hand while batting during Pakistan’s second Test against the West Indies.
The batter was later struck on the same hand during Pakistan’s warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham.
Babar retired hurt after the blow and did not return to the match. The Pakistan Cricket Board described the decision as a precautionary measure.
Pakistan reached Leeds on Sunday and held its first training session at Headingley on Monday ahead of the Test series.
Babar Azam batted briefly in the nets during the session but did not spend much time batting.
Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas said the final decision on Babar’s availability would be made on match day.
Abbas said the team would consider medical advice before deciding whether the captain is fit to play.
He added that Babar completed some throwdowns and batting practice during the training session.
If Babar is ruled out, Saud Shakeel and Awais Zafar are likely to feature in Pakistan’s middle order.
Saud Shakeel also scored a century during the warm-up match, strengthening his case for a place in the playing XI.
Meanwhile, Pakistan received a more positive update on Test captain Shan Masood, who has been recovering from a fractured finger.
Masood batted throughout the net session and reportedly looked very good during the practice session.
Babar took over as Pakistan’s Test captain from Masood at the start of the West Indies series.
If both Babar and Masood are unavailable, Salman Agha could face additional leadership responsibility for the team.
However, Salman Agha has not yet captained Pakistan in Test cricket.
Pakistan will make the final decision on Babar’s availability after assessing his fitness and medical condition before the first Test.
Also read: Babar Azam Eyes Winning Start Against West Indies
