Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam was advised to retire from the ongoing three-day practice match against the Professional County Club Select XI at Kent County Cricket Ground after being hit on the right hand on the last ball of the 39th over on Tuesday.
The Pakistan captain was batting on 5 when he was struck on the hand by the pacer Manny Lumsden. He was then examined by the Pakistan team doctor, who advised him to retire from the match.
The decision for Babar to retire from the match was taken as a precautionary measure for now, as there is no word yet on whether the injury is serious or not.
Babar Azam expected to train ahead of the Headingley Test
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson has revealed that the 25-year-old is set to make his recovery at the Headingley Cricket Ground on August 17.
Pakistan's opening Test match against England is scheduled to begin at Headingley on August 19, with the two sides set to play a three-match Test series across England, starting at Headingley, followed by Lord's, and finishing at The Oval. The 25-year-old's availability in the match against the hosts will certainly be a topic of discussion as Pakistan prepares to kick off the Test series in England.
The new blow to the 25-year-old comes as he was hit on the hand during Pakistan's Test series against the West Indies, which was played less than a month ago. The situation, however, is unlikely to cause alarm considering there are no major complications following his recent scan.
How did Pakistan perform in Beckenham?
The match in Beckenham was initially scheduled to be played out over four days but was cut short to three days due to player availability.
With all 14 players named in Pakistan's Test squad given a chance to play, the touring side's seamers and spinners were able to get a good experience of county cricket in England.
The Professional County Club Select XI first innings total read 305. In reply, Pakistan posted 44 on the second day without losing a wicket before being bowled out for 238. The hosts, in the meanwhile, had posted 238 to register a lead of 67 in the first innings.
Despite the defeat in the first match, Pakistan's squad was able to get good experience ahead of the bigger match against England at Headingley. The players were able to test their batting and bowling combination on English soil.
Babar Azam's availability for Pakistan vs England first Test remains unchanged
The PCB has remained quite silent on the health status of the 25-year-old, with the official stance being that his absence was a precautionary measure. Pakistan captain, for the time being, remains available for selection for the first Test match against England.
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The fact that his rehabilitation is set to take place at Headingley on August 17, which falls two days before the first Test match is due to begin, is also a sign that Pakistan is confident that the 25-year-old will be fit for the match.
As of now, there are no signs that a replacement for Babar Azam will be named as the Pakistan squad remains unchanged. At the same time, the medical staff will continue to keep a close eye on the 25-year-old in the following days since this is the second time he has suffered a hand injury.
The three-match Test series against England is going to be a tough challenge for Pakistan to handle. With Babar Azam at the center of this situation, his fitness and performance will be one of the most anticipated developments in Pakistan's preparations for the Test series in England. All things considered, it is a good sign for Pakistan supporters, with the 'precautionary' measures taken to keep the 25-year-old fit for the series opener in Leeds on August 19.