Pakistan captain Babar Azam remains doubtful for the first Test against England at Headingley, with the match set to begin on Wednesday. Azam is still recovering from a finger injury and only had a short batting session during Pakistan’s first practice at the venue on Monday. Azam hurt his right hand during the second Test against the West Indies and was hit on the same hand again during Pakistan’s warm-up match against a Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham last week.
Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas said the team is yet to make a final call on the captain’s availability. "Whether he plays or not will be a decision taken on match day," Abbas said, as quoted by AFP. "He did a few throw-downs and some batting practice today. But we'll have to follow medical advice for it." Babar’s absence would be a major concern for Pakistan as they prepare to face England in the opening Test of the series. The team will continue to monitor his recovery before deciding whether he is fit enough to play.
Masood shows positive signs Pakistan also have fitness concerns over opening batter Shan Masood, who fractured his finger during the first Test against the West Indies and missed the second match. Although Masood did not play in the Beckenham warm-up, he returned to training at Headingley on Monday and completed the entire session. "With Shan, too, we're just going to rely on the medical advice," said Abbas. "Shan practised for the whole session and looked very good." Pakistan will hope both players receive positive medical assessments before the first Test begins on Wednesday.