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Babar Azam - (Source: ScreenGrab/X)
In a significant development, Pakistan have dealt a heavy blow as their skipper Babar Azam has picked up an injury. Babar Azam got injured just days ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against England, which starts on August 19.
Ahead of the first Test, Pakistan locked horns against Professional County Club Select XI for a three-day warm-up match. Meanwhile, Babar Azam suffered an injury on Day 2, leaving the fans sweating hard over their captain’s fitness.
Babar Azam Retires After Injury
On Day 2 of the warm-up match, Babar Azam got hit on his hand by a nasty half-pitched delivery. The ball took the Pakistan captain by surprise, and the bat flew out of his hand. The 31-year-old was in deep pain and was quickly attended to by the physios.
Eventually, the management didn’t waste time, and Babar Azam retired hurt and returned to the pavilion for further assessment. At present, there is no update on the nature of the injury, and the fans would hope for it to be a normal bruise and no damage to the bone.
Notably, Babar Azam returned to the pavillion after scoring 5 runs off 17 deliveries. At present, there is no update.
Also Read: Has Bangladesh Ever Defeated Australia In Tests?
Babar Azam Reinjures Finger
Fitness clouds threaten Babar Azam's participation for the England series because the right-handed batter has been hit again on his injured finger. For the unversed, Babar Azam was hit on the same hand recently when Pakistan visited West Indies for a two-match Test series.
Hence, the fans are panicking because they don't want Pakistan to play England without their player and captain. The PCB has already released the 15-member squad for England series. Most likely if Babar Azam fails to recover in time, then Shan Masood is the front-runner to lead Pakistan again.
Will Pakistan Miss Babar Azam If He Misses England Series Due To Injury?
Notably, Babar Azam has an impressive record in England. The right-handed batter has played just 4 matches but has scored 263 runs, averaging 65.75. Notably, Babar has the best Test average in England compared to any other country.
In England, the right-handed batter has three fifty-plus scores but still searching for his maiden Test hundred. Hence, Pakistan will heavily miss Babar Azam in this England tour if he misses out because of injury.
Pakistan Already Struggling In Warm-up Match
Talking about the ongoing three-day warm-up match between Pakistan and Professional County Club Select XI, the subcontinent side is already struggling to adapt to the conditions.
Shedding light on the match, County Select XI, batting first, tumbled for 305 runs. Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Abbas were the star bowlers. In reply, Pakistan lost two early wickets but Abdullah Shafique is looking strong as he is batting on 46 and inching closer to his half-century.
Also Read: ICC Test Rankings: Babar Azam Back In Top 10 After 2 Years
