Babar Azam hit on right hand in warm-up, set to rejoin training before Headingley Test

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam suffered a blow to his right hand during a warm-up match in England, raising concerns ahead of Pakistan's first Test against England at Headingley next week. He retired hurt on the second day after scoring five and, following assessment by team medical staff, was advised not to take any further part in the three-day fixture.

The Pakistan Cricket Board described the decision as precautionary and said Babar is expected to return to training on Monday. "Following an assessment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to take rest from the remaining practice match," the PCB said. A Pakistan team spokesman confirmed Babar is expected to join the team's practice session at Headingley on Monday, August 17.

The incident comes just days before Pakistan begin a three-Test series against England, with the opening match scheduled for Wednesday at Headingley. For now, the PCB has not indicated the hand injury is serious enough to rule Babar out of that first Test.

Babar, 31, recently captained Pakistan in a two-Test series against the West Indies that finished 1-1 earlier this month and remains a central figure in Pakistan's batting plans for the England tour. His planned return to training is likely to be closely watched by the touring party given his role at the top of the order and as Test captain.

The warm-up match was played at Beckenham in Kent, where Pakistan made 238 in reply to a Professional County Club Select XI first-innings total of 305. England spinner Shoaib Bashir took four wickets for 76 runs, while 17-year-old Manny Lumsden claimed two for 24.

By the close of play the PCC side had reached 128 for three in their second innings, a position that left them 195 runs ahead. England opener Emilio Gay suffered a second duck in the fixture as he worked on his fitness after a shoulder problem, lasting seven deliveries before edging Mohammad Ali behind.

Pakistan will monitor Babar's recovery ahead of the team's scheduled practice session at Headingley on Monday, with the first Test at Headingley set to begin on Wednesday.