ENG vs PAK: Babar Azam's availability remains under a cloud for Headingley Test

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam’s availability for the first Test against England is under a cloud as he’s yet to fully recover from his finger injury. Babar has been nursing an impact injury to his right hand, which he suffered during the second Test against West Indies.

He was again struck at the same place during Pakistan's warm-up game against the Professional County Club Select XI (PCCS XI) in Beckenham. Babar immediately retired hurt and didn’t take part in the rest of the match as a precautionary measure.

Babar did take part in the team’s pre-match practice session on Monday, batting for a short time in the nets, without any signs of discomfort. Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has given an update on his fitness, saying the decision on him playing the first Test will be taken on the match day. 

"Whether he plays or not will be a decision taken on match day. He did a few throwdowns and some batting practice today. But we'll have to follow medical advice for it,” Abbas said at a media conference as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Babar's absence will open the doors for both Saud Shakeel and Awais Zafar to play in Pakistan's middle order. Shakeel missed the West Indies Test series, with Zafar making his debut in the second Test. Shakeel scored a match-winning century in the warm-up game and was the frontrunner to play in the middle order. However, Babar missing out would make room for both.

Meanwhile, there are high chances of Shan Masood playing in the first Test after he batted for a long period in the nets. He suffered a finger fracture in the first Test against West Indies and missed the second Test. He also didn’t take part in Pakistan's warm-up game in Beckenham. 

"With Shan, too, we're just going to rely on the medical advice. Shan practiced for the whole session and looked very good,” said Abbas.