Pakistan's captain Babar Azam uncertain for England match, emphasizes need to adhere to medical guidance.

As the Pakistan cricket team gears up for the first Test against England at Headingley, scheduled to commence on Wednesday, the availability of captain Babar Azam remains uncertain due to a lingering finger injury. Azam, who sustained the injury during the second Test against the West Indies, faced another setback when he was struck on the same hand during a warm-up match against a Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham last week.

During Pakistan's initial practice session at Headingley on Monday, Azam participated in a limited capacity, engaging in a brief batting session. Mohammad Abbas, a key pacer for the team, indicated that a final decision regarding Azam's participation would be made on the day of the match. "He did a few throw-downs and some batting practice today. But we'll have to follow medical advice for it," Abbas stated, as reported by AFP. The potential absence of Azam poses a significant challenge for Pakistan as they prepare to face a formidable England side in the opening match of the series.

In addition to Azam's injury concerns, Pakistan is also monitoring the fitness of opening batsman Shan Masood, who fractured his finger during the first Test against the West Indies and subsequently missed the second match. Although Masood did not participate in the warm-up game in Beckenham, he returned to training at Headingley on Monday, completing the entire session without any apparent issues.

Abbas expressed optimism regarding Masood's condition, stating, "With Shan, too, we're just going to rely on the medical advice. Shan practised for the whole session and looked very good." The team is hopeful that both Azam and Masood will receive favorable medical evaluations ahead of the Test match, allowing them to field their strongest lineup against England.