Pakistan captain Babar Azam suffered an injury scare during the second day of a warm-up match ahead of next week’s first Test against England. Babar was forced to retire hurt on five during Friday’s play against a Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI after being struck on his right hand.
A Pakistan team spokesman confirmed that the captain will take no further part in the current fixture. However, the spokesperson provided a positive update, stating: “Babar will participate in Pakistan team’s practice session on Monday at Headingley Cricket Ground.”
The first of a three-Test series against England is scheduled to begin at Headingley this Wednesday. Babar recently led Pakistan to a 1-1 draw in a two-match series away to the West Indies earlier this month, and his availability remains a key focus for the touring side.
In the ongoing warm-up match at the Beckenham ground in Kent, Pakistan posted 238 in response to the PCC team’s first-innings total of 305. England off-spinner Shoaib Bashir impressed with figures of 4-76, while 17-year-old Manny Lumsden contributed 2-24. Meanwhile, England opening batsman Emilio Gay, who is attempting to prove his fitness following a shoulder injury, recorded a pair after being dismissed for a second nought of the match. The PCC side reached 128-3 in their second innings at stumps, establishing a lead of 195 runs.
