Babar Azam's England Test Spot In Doubt Due To Finger Injury

Pakistan cricket team is waiting for a final update on captain Babar Azam's fitness ahead of the first Test against England, scheduled to start on August 19 at Headingley.

Babar Azam injured the middle finger of his right hand during a warm-up match against a Professional County Club Select XI. The injury occurred when a rising delivery from England Under-19 pacer Manny Lumsden hit his bottom hand, causing him to walk off in pain.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has advised Babar to rest as a precaution after an assessment by the team doctor. However, he returned to training on Monday and batted in the nets at Headingley Cricket Ground, albeit with his right middle finger heavily taped.

Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas stated that a final decision on Babar's availability would be taken on match day. 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.'

This injury concern comes at a crucial time for Babar, who has recently been re-appointed as Pakistan's Test captain. He is expected to play a key role with both the bat and as a leader in the upcoming Test series against England.

Pakistan drew their recent Test series in the West Indies 1-1, ending an eight-match run of overseas Test defeats by winning the second match by eight wickets. The team will be looking to build on this momentum, but Babar's injury may affect their chances.

The first Test between England and Pakistan is scheduled to start on August 19 at Headingley, followed by the second Test at Lord's from August 27-31, and the third Test at Edgbaston from September 9-13.

Babar Azam's injury has raised concerns about his participation in the series, and Pakistan will be waiting anxiously for further medical advice before deciding on his availability.

The Pakistan Test squad, led by Babar Azam, includes players like Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, and Ubaid Shah.

In conclusion, Babar Azam's injury has cast a shadow over Pakistan's preparations for the upcoming Test series against England. The team's chances of success may depend on the fitness of their captain, and they will be hoping for a speedy recovery.