Babar Azam Faces Fresh Fitness Concern Ahead Pakistan Vs England 3rd Test

Babar Azam [Source: AFP]

Babar Azam has faced another fitness concern ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming third Test of the series against England. The legendary Pakistani batter was already under considerable pressure following his team’s twin losses in the series in Leeds and Lord’s over the last two weeks.

A Pakistan cricket team official has now dropped a major update regarding Babar’s health and revealed whether the 31-year-old will be available to play the impending third Test or not. 

Under pressure Babar Azam suffering from a high fever

As reported by GeoSuper on Tuesday, September 1, Pakistan captain Babar Azam is suffering from a high fever.

According to the report, the senior batter is already under immense pressure following Pakistan’s twin defeats to England, and in the wake of a systematic overhaul of the entire visiting squad along with its coaching staff.

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Just a day before Babar’s fever, the PCB released seven players from its line-up for the upcoming third Test, including senior stumper Mohammad Rizwan, injured opener Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Agha. 

As a replacement, the PCB brought in seven players, including five uncapped cricketers and two comeback men in the form of Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal. 

Moreover, the Pakistan board also sacked head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul midway into the series to make way for Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke respectively. 

In lieu of the ongoing changes within the Pakistan camp, Babar’s sudden fever has added another layer of uncertainty ahead of the third Test.

Will Babar Azam play 3rd Test vs England?

Fortunately for Pakistan fans, Babar Azam might well play the upcoming third Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham next week. 

Pakistan team media manager Naveed Akram Cheema said that there is no need to panic, considering the 31-year-old is expected to recover soon.

However, it is important to note one thing here, if the fever continues, the star player will not get the match fitness and might miss the much-awaited PAK vs ENG 3rd Test.

If Babar indeed misses the third Test, it would be the second time on this tour that the Pakistan cricket team would take the field without its regular captain. 

Just last month, the legendary right-handed batter was forced to miss the first Test owing to his hand injury.

Babar Azam to lead revamped Pakistan squad vs England in 3rd Test

Since Babar Azam is expected to play the third Test, the legendary batter is set to lead a revamped Pakistan squad against England. 

Fellow senior men Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar’s deputy Salman Agha were among the seven players released by PCB for the third Test. 

Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal will be making their returns to the national side, along with potential debutants in the form of Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah.

Pakistan squad for 3rd Test vs England - Babar Azam (capt), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk) Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah

Trailing 0-2 in the series, Pakistan will face England in the third Test between September 9 and September 13.

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