Babar Azam’s match-day fitness to decide availability for first England v Pakistan Test

Pakistan captain Babar Azam suffered a right-hand blow during a warm-up match at Headingley ahead of the first Test against England, which starts on August 19. He took part in a net session on Monday, August 17, but Pakistan have not confirmed his availability for the match.

The two-Test series begins at Headingley in Leeds on August 19 and carries WTC implications for both sides: Pakistan sit eighth on the World Test Championship table with a PCT of 22.22 while England are seventh with a PCT of 24.36. Pakistan drew a two-match series in the West Indies under Babar, who was reappointed as Test captain in place of Shan Masood; England arrive off a 1-2 home series defeat to New Zealand and have new leadership in Joe Root and Stephen Fleming, with Fleming joining after the Pakistan tour. Pakistan have not won a Test series in England since 1996; in six series in England since then the hosts have won three and three were drawn.

Babar was struck on the right hand while batting in a practice match against a Professional County Club Select XI and retired hurt, not coming out to bat in either innings of that game. The blow was delivered by England U-19 player Manny Lumsden, and Babar had been struck on the same hand during the recent Test series in the West Indies.

A Pakistan Cricket Board statement said: “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. Babar will participate in Pakistan team’s practice session on Monday, August 17, at Headingley Cricket Ground.”

Babar was observed in a net session on Monday and was reported to have looked good in that session. Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas said: “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.”

Babar was Pakistan’s leading scorer in the recently concluded West Indies series, so any absence would remove a key run-scorer from the visiting side. The first Test at Headingley begins on August 19, with Pakistan’s final selection for the match to be confirmed on match day.