Babar Azam faces late fitness call for England Test opener as Shan Masood boosts return hopes

LEEDS: Pakistan face a late decision over captain Babar Azam’s availability for the opening Test against England after the star batter made a brief return to the nets during Monday’s training session at Headingley.

The first of the three-match Test series begins on Wednesday, but Babar is still awaiting medical clearance after suffering a finger injury to his right hand.

Babar was initially struck on the hand during the second Test against the West Indies earlier this month before being hit again during Pakistan’s warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI at Beckenham last week. He retired hurt from that game, with the Pakistan Cricket Board describing his withdrawal as precautionary.

However, his limited involvement in Monday’s practice means his participation in the opening Test remains uncertain. Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas confirmed that the final decision on Babar’s availability will be made on match day.

“Whether he plays or not will be a decision taken on match day,” Abbas said. “He did a few throw-downs and some batting practice today. But we’ll have to follow medical advice for it.”

Babar’s absence would leave Pakistan without their first-choice Test captain and could force changes to the middle order. Saud Shakeel, who missed the West Indies series, strengthened his case with a century in the Beckenham warm-up and is expected to feature.

Mohammad Awais Zafar, who made his Test debut in the second Test against the West Indies, could also retain his place if Babar is ruled out.

The captaincy would be another issue for Pakistan. Babar took over Test leadership from Shan Masood at the beginning of the West Indies series, while Salman Ali Agha captained the side in the Beckenham warm-up in Babar’s absence. Salman, Pakistan’s T20 captain, has yet to lead the national team in Test cricket.

Meanwhile, Pakistan received encouraging news regarding Shan Masood’s fitness.

Shan, who fractured a finger after being struck during the first Test against the West Indies, missed the second Test as well as the Beckenham warm-up. He returned to batting practice in Leeds and completed the entire training session on Monday.

“With Shan, too, we’re just going to rely on the medical advice,” Abbas said. “Shan practised for the whole session and looked very good.”

Pakistan head into the series with renewed confidence after defeating the West Indies in the second Test to level the two-match series 1-1.

England, meanwhile, begin a new chapter following Ben Stokes’ retirement and Brendon McCullum’s departure as head coach. Joe Root has returned as captain, while Stephen Fleming has been appointed head coach, although his tenure will officially begin later this year.

Abbas said Pakistan were concentrating on their own preparations rather than England’s changes.

“As a team we are in good shape,” he said. “We won the last game at West Indies. We played really good cricket and we will try to win the series.”

The experienced 36-year-old seamer, who has extensive county cricket experience, also stressed his readiness to perform in different conditions.

“I’m trying to stay fit for every condition,” Abbas said. “I am available in every condition, not only in England.”

The England series is part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship. The second Test will be played at Lord’s from August 27 to 31, while the third Test is scheduled for Edgbaston from September 9 to 13.