LAHORE: Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has been advised to rest after suffering a hand injury during a practice match.
Babar was batting on the second day of Pakistan’s ongoing three-day practice match. The match is being played at Kent County Cricket Club.
A delivery struck Babar on his right hand during his innings. The incident comes ahead of Pakistan’s first Test against England next week.
The team doctor assessed the injury after the incident. As a precaution, Babar was advised to leave the remainder of the practice match.
The medical team will continue to monitor his condition. At present, he is expected to return to training before the first Test.
Babar Azam is scheduled to participate in Pakistan’s practice session on Monday, August 17. The session will take place at Headingley Cricket Ground.
His participation will provide an indication of his recovery ahead of the Test series. Pakistan will be keen to have its Test captain available for the opening match.
The injury occurred during an important preparation period for the national team. Players are currently working on their fitness and match readiness.
Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz has also suffered an injury. He has been ruled out of the Al Batal Presents University of Lahore National Champions Cup.
Nawaz sustained a fracture to his right middle finger. Scans conducted on Thursday, August 13, confirmed the injury.
The spinner picked up the injury while fielding during his team’s match on August 12. He represented Sparco Paints Pakistan Gold against Al Batal Productions Pakistan Blues.
Despite the injury, Nawaz completed his full quota of 10 overs. His team, however, lost the match by six wickets at Multan Cricket Stadium.
Nawaz is expected to remain unavailable for at least three weeks. He will begin the next stage of his recovery under medical supervision.
After two weeks, Nawaz will report to the PCB’s Sports and Exercise Medicine Department. He will then begin conditioning and follow the required Return-to-Play protocols.
The medical programme will assess his progress before he resumes competitive cricket. His recovery will be managed according to the team’s medical guidelines.
For Pakistan, Babar Azam remains an important player ahead of the England series. His availability will be closely monitored following the hand injury.
The national team is expected to continue its preparations in England. The upcoming practice session will provide further clarity on Babar’s fitness.
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The Pakistan captain’s recovery is particularly important before the opening Test. The team will hope that the precautionary rest allows him to return without complications.
