Babar Azam's First Test Participation in Doubt as Pakistan Await Medical Clearance

Babar Azam's participation in Pakistan's opening Test against England remains uncertain as the team waits for medical clearance on his injured right hand.

Babar suffered an impact injury to his finger while batting during Pakistan's second Test against the West Indies. The problem was aggravated during Pakistan's warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham, where he was struck on the hand again and retired hurt.

The Pakistan Cricket Board described his decision to leave the warm-up as a precautionary measure. Babar did not return to the field for the remainder of the match.

Pakistan arrived in Leeds on Sunday and held their first training session at Headingley on Monday, just two days before the start of the three-match Test series. Babar did take part in some batting practice in the nets, but his session was brief.

Pakistan seamer Mohammad Abbas said the final decision on Babar's availability would be made after consultation with the medical panel and selection committee.

"Whether he plays or not will be a decision taken on match day," Abbas said. "He did a few throwdowns and some batting practice today. But we'll have to follow medical advice for it."

If Babar is ruled out, Saud Shakeel and Awais Zafar could both feature in Pakistan's middle order. Shakeel missed the recent West Indies series but strengthened his case with a century in the warm-up game, while Zafar made his Test debut in the second Test against the West Indies.

Shan Masood Provides More Positive Update

Pakistan have received a more encouraging update regarding Shan Masood. The Test captain suffered a fractured finger during the first Test against the West Indies and subsequently missed the second match.

Masood was also absent from Pakistan's warm-up game in Beckenham, but he has since made progress in training. He spent a longer period batting in the nets during Monday's session and appeared comfortable.

"With Shan, too, we're just going to rely on the medical advice," Abbas said. "Shan practiced for the whole session and looked very good."

Leadership Question for Pakistan

Babar's potential absence could also create a leadership dilemma for Pakistan. He took over as Test captain from Shan Masood at the beginning of the West Indies series.

During Babar's absence in the Beckenham warm-up, Pakistan were led by T20I captain Salman Agha. However, Agha has yet to captain Pakistan in Test cricket.

With the opening Test against England approaching, Pakistan are therefore facing two key fitness decisions, with Babar's finger injury likely to be the biggest selection concern. The final call on his availability is expected on match day after the medical team's assessment.