Pakistan captain Babar faces injury concern before England Test
Babar was forced to retire hurt after scoring just five runs on the second day of the three-day match against a Professional County Club Select XI in Kent.
The Pakistan captain was hit on his right hand during his short stay at the crease. Team officials later confirmed that he would not take any further part in the warm-up match.
However, the Pakistan team management said there was no immediate indication that Babar would miss the opening Test.
“Babar will participate in Pakistan team’s practice session on Monday at Headingley Cricket Ground,” a Pakistan spokesman said.
The statement is likely to provide some relief to Pakistan supporters, with the first Test against England scheduled to begin at Headingley on Wednesday.
Babar’s injury comes at a crucial time
Babar is an important part of Pakistan’s top-order batting and his availability will be closely watched before the Test series begins.
The Pakistan captain recently led his side in a two-Test series against the West Indies, which ended in a 1-1 draw earlier this month.
His presence will be particularly important as Pakistan prepares for a challenging series against England in English conditions.
The latest injury scare also comes while Pakistan is using the warm-up match to assess players and prepare for the upcoming Test.
Babar’s decision to leave the match means he will not get further batting or fielding practice in the fixture. His participation in Monday’s training session should provide a clearer indication of his condition.
Pakistan trail after first innings
Pakistan scored 238 runs in reply to the Professional County Club Select XI’s first-innings total of 305.
England off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was among the leading performers with the ball, taking four wickets for 76 runs.
Seventeen-year-old Manny Lumsden also impressed, claiming two wickets for 24 runs during Pakistan’s innings.
The warm-up side made further progress in its second innings and reached 128 for three at the close of play.
That gave the Professional County Club Select XI a lead of 195 runs, putting Pakistan under pressure before the final day of the practice match.
The result itself is less important than the opportunity for Pakistan to give its players valuable match practice before facing England.
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England also has fitness concerns
England are also monitoring the condition of opener Emilio Gay before the first Test.
Gay is trying to prove his fitness after suffering a shoulder injury while playing for Durham in the One-Day Cup last week.
His latest appearance did not go as planned. He was dismissed for a second duck of the match after facing only seven deliveries.
Gay edged a delivery from Pakistan bowler Mohammad Ali through to the wicketkeeper, ending his brief stay at the crease.
His fitness and form will therefore remain under attention as England prepares for the opening Test at Headingley.
What Babar’s injury could mean
Babar’s injury has created an unwanted concern for Pakistan just days before the Test series begins. The team will now closely monitor his recovery during the next practice session.
For now, Pakistan’s official position suggests that the captain is expected to train on Monday. However, his ability to bat comfortably and field normally will be important before the final team is confirmed.
If Babar is fit, Pakistan will hope he can provide stability in the top order against England. If the injury becomes more serious, the team could face a major selection challenge.
The next few days should therefore provide a clearer picture of whether the injury was only a minor setback or a bigger concern before the first Test.
