After getting hit on the right hand on the second day of a three-day practice match against the Professional County Club Select XI at Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham on 15 August, Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has been recommended to rest.
On the last ball of the 39th over, pacer Manny Lumsden hit Babar Azam, who had only scored five runs at that time. After a quick examination, the team doctor advised him not to participate in the game going forward, viewing this as a preventative measure rather than a reaction to a confirmed significant injury.
The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that Babar Azam will attend the team’s training session at Headingley Cricket Ground on August 17, the Monday before the first Test, according to news site Dawn. The series will continue at Lord’s and The Oval after Pakistan’s first Test match against England begins on August 19 at Headingley.
Notably, Babar Azam has been hit on the hand twice in the last month. He sustained a similar injury during Pakistan’s Test series against the West Indies, so the team’s medical staff is paying special attention to the most recent event.
What happened during Pakistan’s tour game at Beckenham?
Due to player availability issues, the four-day Beckenham match was shortened to three days. Every member of the touring group had time in the middle of the English-language match thanks to the participation of the full 14-man Pakistan Test team.
In their opening innings, the PCC Select XI scored 305. On the second day, Pakistan started their reply at 44 without losing, but they were unable to build on that lead and were finally bowled for 238, giving up a 67-run deficit in the first innings. Before the start of the Test series, the game gave Pakistan’s bowlers and hitters a useful look into English pitches.
How likely is Babar Azam to be available for the first test?
The specific medical results from the Beckenham evaluation have not been made public by the PCB. No statement has indicated that Babar Azam spot in the first Test is in question, and the board’s public stance is that the remainder was precautionary.
The management anticipates that he will be available for the series opening, as evidenced by the statement that he would train at Headingley on August 17. The squad’s makeup hasn’t changed, and no replacement has been announced. Before the Test starts on August 19, Pakistan’s medical team will keep an eye on his health over the next days.
As the management completes their preparations at Headingley, Babar’s fitness will continue to be scrutinised. The three-match series is an important job for Pakistan.
