Pakistan captain advised to rest after being struck on the finger, with his return to training scheduled ahead of the England Test series.
Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has been advised to sit out the remainder of Pakistan’s ongoing three-day tour match against the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI after suffering a blow to his right hand.
The incident occurred during the second day of the practice fixture at Kent County Cricket Ground. Babar was batting when a sharp delivery from pacer Manny Lumsden struck him on the finger during the final ball of the 39th over.
The Pakistan captain immediately showed signs of discomfort and dropped his bat after being hit. He received treatment from the team’s medical staff before leaving the field, having scored five runs from 17 deliveries.
The latest setback is another blow to Babar’s hand in a short period. He was also struck on the hand during Pakistan’s recent Test series against the West Indies, making the medical team’s decision to rest him a precautionary measure.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Babar underwent an assessment following the incident. Based on the medical evaluation, he has been advised to stay out of the remaining portion of the practice match.
The decision is aimed at ensuring the batter remains fit ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming three-Test series against England. The series is scheduled to begin on August 19, giving the team limited time to assess Babar before the opening Test.
Despite missing the rest of the tour game, Babar is expected to resume preparations with the national side shortly. According to the PCB, he will participate in Pakistan’s training session at Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds on August 17.
The development will provide some relief to Pakistan, with Babar remaining an important part of the side’s batting plans and leadership group. His participation in the Headingley session is expected to offer a clearer indication of his readiness for the England series.
Pakistan will now closely monitor Babar’s recovery over the coming days as the team prepares for a demanding Test assignment. The medical staff’s decision to prioritize rest is intended to prevent the hand issue from becoming a more serious concern before the series begins.