Babar Azam injured ahead of first England Test, suffers blow to right hand in warm-up match

Pakistan captain Babar Azam will not take any further part in their ongoing three-day warm-up fixture against Professional County Club Select XI as a precautionary measure. Babar suffered a blow to his right hand and is expected to be back in action ahead of the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, beginning on August 19.

The Pakistan skipper was batting on 5* in the first session on Day 2 when he was hit on his bottom hand by a delivery from young Hampshire fast bowler Manny Lumsden. Babar immediately threw his bat to the ground in pain and walked away, taking off his glove and not returning to bat.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed that Babar has been advised to take rest by the team doctor and will only participate in the practice session on Monday, August 17.

Babar Azam retired hurt in the warmup match pic.twitter.com/jAibEfRaqe

— Danish (@PctDanish) August 14, 2026

"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. Babar will participate in Pakistan team's practice session on Monday, August 17, at Headingley Cricket Ground,” PCB said in a media release.

Notably, Babar had suffered a blow to the same hand while batting on the third day of the second Test against West Indies, which Pakistan won by eight wickets. He finished the match with consecutive sixes off Jomel Warrican and was seen in pain after hitting the second six.

Pakistan bundled out for 238 in warm-up game

Apart from Babar, former captain Shan Masood was also hit on his hand during the West Indies tour, which ruled him out of the second Test match. He has since recovered from the hairline fracture in his index finger and has been training with the team in England.

Meanwhile, Pakistan were bundled out for 238 in their first innings on Day 2, in reply to PCC Select XI’s score of 305.