Pakistan faces a late decision on captain Babar Azam’s availability for the opening Test against England after the star batter made a brief return to the nets on Monday. Meanwhile, Shan Masood strengthened his chances of playing after completing a full training session.
The first of three Tests begins at Headingley, Leeds, on Wednesday, August 19. Babar is awaiting medical clearance for a finger injury to his right hand.
Babar was initially struck while batting during the second Test against the West Indies, which Pakistan won to level the two-match series 1-1. He reinjured the same hand during the warm-up against a Professional County Club Select XI at Beckenham, when Hampshire pacer Manny Lumsden struck him on the final ball of the 39th over. Babar left after scoring five from 17 balls.
The Pakistan Cricket Board initially described his withdrawal as precautionary. He returned for limited batting practice at Headingley and appeared comfortable, but his availability remains uncertain.
“Whether he plays or not will be a decision taken on match day,” said fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, adding that Babar had followed medical advice, completed throw-downs, and “looked good.”
If Babar misses the Test, Pakistan will lose both their first-choice captain and an important middle-order batter. Saud Shakeel strengthened his case with a century in the Beckenham warm-up, while Imam-ul-Haq scored a half-century. Mohammad Awais Zafar, who debuted against the West Indies, could also retain his place. T20I captain Salman Ali Agha led Pakistan during the warm-up but has never captained the Test side.
Shan Masood’s recovery provided better news. The opener fractured a finger during the first West Indies Test, missed the second, and sat out the Beckenham match, but completed Monday’s entire session. Abbas said Shan “looked very good.”
Pakistan faces an England side entering a new era following Ben Stokes’ retirement and Brendon McCullum’s departure, with Joe Root returning as captain. Stephen Fleming will become head coach later this year.
The series is part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship. England sits seventh and Pakistan eighth. After Headingley, the second Test runs at Lord’s from August 27-31, followed by Edgbaston from September 9-13.
