Babar Azam rested before England Tests due to injury concerns for Pakistan's captain.

Pakistan's cricket team is facing a fitness dilemma ahead of their upcoming three-Test series against England, as captain Babar Azam sustained a hand injury during a warm-up match. The incident occurred while Babar was batting at five runs against a Professional County Club Select XI when he was struck on his bottom hand by a rising delivery from England Under-19 bowler Manny Lumsden. Following the impact, Babar appeared to be in considerable discomfort and did not continue his innings in the practice game.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not disclosed the full extent of the injury but confirmed that Babar's withdrawal from the match was a precautionary step after an evaluation by the team doctor. "Following an assessment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to take rest from the remainder of the practice match," the PCB stated in a press release.

Despite the injury scare, the PCB has indicated that Babar is likely to resume training before the first Test. The board announced that he is scheduled to participate in a training session at Headingley Cricket Ground on Monday, August 17. This development comes just two days prior to the start of the Test series against England on August 19, making Babar's fitness a critical focus for the team as they prepare for the matches ahead.

Babar, who was recently reinstated as Pakistan's Test captain, aims to build on the momentum from his first assignment since returning to the role. Under his leadership, Pakistan managed to draw their previous two-Test series in the West Indies 1-1, breaking an eight-match losing streak in overseas Tests with a notable eight-wicket victory in the second Test.

As Pakistan gears up for the series against England, the team has received a boost with the return of Shan Masood, who is now fit to play after recovering from injury. However, Babar's condition will remain a significant topic of discussion as the team finalizes its preparations. His anticipated return to training on Monday will provide further clarity on whether the injury will affect his participation in the opening Test at Headingley.

Pakistan's management is likely to exercise caution regarding their captain's health, hoping that the precautionary measures taken will ensure Babar is fully fit for the series. The Test squad includes Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, and others, as they aim to make a strong impact in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.

The schedule for the England vs. Pakistan Test series is as follows: First Test from August 19-23 at Headingley, Second Test from August 27-31 at Lord's, and the Third Test from September 9-13 at Edgbaston.