LEEDS: Pakistan captain Babar Azam participation in the first Test against England remains uncertain after he suffered a blow to his hand during a practice match against the PCC Select XI on Thursday.
Babar was batting on five in the 39th over when a delivery from fast bowler Manny Lumsden, pitching outside off, struck his hand.
The right-hander was in visible pain after suffering the blow and received attention from the medical staff. Subsequently, he was forced to retire hurt.
Later, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement saying Babar had been advised to rest as a precautionary measure.
However, a decision on the ace batter’s participation in the series opener has yet to be made.
Babar briefly participated in the training session held at Headingley on Monday. A decision on his availability for the first Test will be made after Tuesday’s practice session.
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Meanwhile, Shan Masood also trained in Leeds and is likely to feature in the opening Test.
Shan had been out of action since the first Test against the West Indies in Tarouba after fracturing his finger while batting.
Despite the injury, he returned to bat in the second innings, but not in his usual position. Scans later confirmed a fractured finger, ruling him out of the second Test.
The first Test match between Pakistan and England is scheduled to be played on 19 August at Headingley.
Pakistan squad
Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Abdullah Shafique, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel* (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
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