Pakistan have been handed a fitness concern ahead of their three-Test series against England after captain Babar Azam was forced to retire from a warm-up game following a blow to his hand.Babar was batting on five for Pakistan against a Professional County Club Select XI when a rising delivery from England Under-19 pacer Manny Lumsden struck his bottom hand. The Pakistan batter was visibly in pain after the blow and did not bat again in the practice match.The extent of the injury is not yet known, but the Pakistan Cricket Board said Babar’s withdrawal was a precautionary measure following an assessment by the team doctor.“Following an assessment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to take rest from the remainder of the practice match,” the PCB said in a media release.

Babar set to return to training on Monday

Pakistan have, however, indicated that Babar is expected to return to practice before the first Test. The board said the Test captain will join the team’s training session at Headingley Cricket Ground on Monday, August 17.The development comes just two days before Pakistan’s three-match Test series against England begins on August 19. Babar’s fitness will therefore be closely monitored in the coming days, with the 31-year-old a key figure in both Pakistan’s batting line-up and their leadership group.Babar was recently re-appointed as Pakistan’s Test captain and will be looking to build on a positive result from his first assignment since returning to the role. Pakistan drew their two-Test series in the West Indies 1-1, ending a run of eight consecutive overseas Test defeats with an eight-wicket victory in the second Test.The England series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. England are currently seventh in the standings with a points percentage of 24.36, while Pakistan are eighth on 22.22.

Shan Masood return boosts Pakistan

Pakistan will hope the latest concern surrounding Babar proves to be minor, particularly with the series against England carrying importance for their World Test Championship campaign. The visitors have already received a boost with Shan Masood returning from injury and being available for the series.Babar’s availability will nevertheless remain a key talking point as Pakistan enter the final phase of their preparations. His scheduled return to training on Monday should provide a clearer indication of whether the hand blow has any impact on his readiness for the opening Test at Headingley.For now, Pakistan’s team management will be keen to avoid taking any unnecessary risks with their captain, while hoping the precautionary rest is enough for Babar to recover fully before the series gets underway.

England vs Pakistan Tests Schedule