Babar Azam Ruled Out Of 1st Test Vs Bangladesh (Source: AFP Photos)
Pakistan is set to resume their WTC finale quest from May 8 onwards as the Asian side would collide against Bangladesh in the first Test match at the Shere-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. However, a night before the all-important game, the visitors suffered a huge injury blow.
In recent years, Pakistan has been poor in red-ball cricket, and to beat Bangladesh in their den, the side needed all its key players fit. However, the side suffered a huge blow, with Babar Azam getting ruled out of the 1st Test match vs the Tigers.
Babar Azam ruled out of 1st Test
According to ESPNCricinfo, the star Pakistan batter won’t take any part in the 1st Test match in Dhaka, as he suffered a left knee injury, and the batter is currently being monitored by the PCB medical team.
The exact cause of the injury is unknown, but it can be assumed that Babar hurt his knee during the training session ahead of the first Test match. Babar remains a vital cog in Pakistan’s Test squad, and his absence would hurt the visitors.
On Wednesday, Babar had a full-throttle training session with the Pakistan squad, and he looked in ominous touch. It seems the injury occurred during the practice session, with Pakistan team not taking any chances with him.
Babar’s absence set to hurt Pakistan’s middle order
With Babar Azam ruled out of the 1st Test match vs Bangladesh, Pakistan has suffered a massive jolt as Babar was their most experienced batter in the middle-order, and his void would be difficult to replace.
The team does have Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan in the squad, but the others are less experienced, and on a spicy wicket in Dhaka, their batters could be exposed.
Babar remains Pakistan’s best middle-order player, and his absence would be felt as the visitors embark on a journey to win the series away from home.
Who can replace Babar Azam in Pakistan XI for 1st Test
Pakistan’s playing XI has not been announced, but judging by the past games, Shan Masood is set to play at number 3, a position where he has done well for Pakistan. Mohammad Rizwan would bat at 5, with Saud Shakeel at 6.
That leaves the number 4 spot vacant, where Babar plays in whites. With Pakistan’s best player ruled out vs Bangladesh, the team needs to find a replacement, and that option could be Ghazi Ghori.
A talented wicket-keeper batter, Ghori has done well in Pakistan’s first-class cricket and could be unleashed against Bangladesh on May 8.
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Will Babar Azam play in second Test?
Knee injuries are generally serious, and it takes time to heal. However, there is no confirmation yet about the seriousness of Babar’s injury. The right-handed batter is currently under the medical team’s supervision, and with the second Test match starting on May 16, Babar has around 8 days to recover.
He could be touch-and-go for the second Test match, and even if he is 90% fit, Pakistan might not take any chances, and one could see Babar missing the entire series.
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