Pakistan captain Babar Azam will miss the remainder of his team’s three-day practice match against a PCC Select XI in Beckenham following a blow to his right hand.
The incident occurred on the morning of day two when Babar, batting on 5*, was struck on his bottom hand by a rising delivery from Hampshire fast bowler Manny Lumsden. He immediately threw his bat to the ground in visible discomfort and walked off, removing his glove.
Following medical assessment, Babar has been advised to rest as a precautionary measure. He is expected to resume training with the squad on Monday, August 17, at Headingley Cricket Ground ahead of the first Test against England, which begins on August 19.
Video footage of the incident circulated widely on social media, raising concerns about Babar’s availability. This injury comes on the back of a similar blow to his right hand during the second Test against West Indies, where he had finished the match with two sixes off Jomel Warrican despite grimacing after the second shot.
Shan Masood, who suffered a hairline fracture in his index finger during the same series, has recovered and is also training with the team in England.
Pakistan were batting second after PCC XI scored 305 runs on day one of the practice match.