Babar Azam Remains Doubtful for First Test Against England

Pakistan are facing a late selection call over Babar Azam, with the batter still awaiting medical clearance after suffering a finger injury ahead of the first Test against England.

Babar injured his right hand after being struck while batting in the second Test against the West Indies. He was hit on the same hand again during Pakistan's warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham and retired hurt as a precaution.

Pakistan reached Leeds on Sunday and trained at Headingley on Monday, two days before the start of the three-match Test series. Babar took part in a short batting session in the nets but did not remain there for long.

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas said neither the medical panel nor the selection committee had made a final decision on Babar's availability.

Babar completed some throwdowns and batting practice during Monday's training session, but the team will follow medical advice before deciding whether he can play.

If Babar is ruled out, Saud Shakeel and Awais Zafar are likely to both feature in Pakistan's middle order.

Shakeel missed the Test series against the West Indies but scored a century in the warm-up match, strengthening his case for selection. Zafar made his Test debut in the second Test against the West Indies.

There was more encouraging news regarding Pakistan captain Shan Masood, who suffered a fractured finger during the first Test against the West Indies and subsequently missed the second match.

Masood did not play in the Beckenham warm-up game but spent a longer period batting in the nets on Monday.

Abbas said Masood trained throughout the session and “looked very good,” although the team will still follow medical advice before making a final decision.

Babar's potential absence could also create a leadership issue for Pakistan.

Babar had taken over the captaincy from Masood at the start of the West Indies series. During the warm-up match in Beckenham, Salman Agha, Pakistan's T20I captain, led the side.

However, Agha has not previously captained Pakistan in Test cricket, meaning Babar's fitness could have implications beyond Pakistan's batting lineup.

The first Test against England begins at Headingley in Leeds, with Pakistan expected to make their final decisions on Babar and Masood shortly before the match.