Pakistan is facing mounting fitness concerns ahead of the upcoming Test series against England, with premier batsman Babar Azam currently doubtful for the opening fixture. The right-hander has been battling a hand injury, and the team management is awaiting final clearance from the medical panel before making any definitive call on his availability on the morning of the match.
The fitness trouble began when Babar sustained a blow to his right hand while batting during the second Test against the West Indies. The issue was further aggravated during a warm-up fixture in England against a professional county club select XI, where another delivery struck his hand. Following the impact, he retired hurt and walked off the field, taking no further part in that innings. The Pakistan Cricket Board had previously downplayed the incident, calling it a purely precautionary measure.
The touring squad arrived in Leeds on August 16 and completed their first training session of the tour at Headingley on August 17. Babar spent a brief period in the nets facing some deliveries and getting some batting practice under his belt, though his session was kept relatively short. Observers noted that he did not appear to be in any obvious discomfort during this limited workout.
Final Call on Match Day
Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas shed light on the selection situation, stating that the medical panel and selection committee are yet to reach a final verdict regarding Babar's readiness. He mentioned that while Babar did take some throwdowns and batted on August 17, strict medical guidance will dictate whether he takes the field.
Should Babar miss the opening Test, it could open up opportunities for both Saud Shakeel and Awais Zafar in the middle order. Shakeel missed the series against the West Indies, while Zafar made his debut in the second Test. Shakeel struck a century during the warm-up match in England and was already considered a strong contender for the starting lineup, meaning Babar's absence could simultaneously clear a path for Zafar.
Positive Signs for Captain Shan Masood
In contrast to the uncertainty surrounding Babar, captain Shan Masood has provided some much-needed relief. Masood had missed the second Test against the West Indies after fracturing his finger during the opening encounter. Having skipped the practice match in England, he spent a lengthy period batting in the nets on August 17. Mohammad Abbas confirmed that Masood batted through the entire training session and looked to be in good touch, though his final inclusion will also be subject to medical clearance.
If Babar is ultimately ruled out, leadership questions could also surface for the touring side. Babar had taken over the captaincy duties from Shan Masood earlier in the West Indies series. In Babar's absence during the Beckenham practice fixture, T20 captain Salman Ali Agha led the side, though he has never captained Pakistan in the Test format before. Consequently, finalizing both the playing combination and leadership structure remains a critical task ahead of the opening clash.
