Babar Azam's return to Test cricket is hanging in the balance after the Pakistan star suffered another setback to his injured right hand ahead of the first Test against England.
Pakistan are expected to make a late decision on Babar's availability, with the batter still awaiting clearance from the team's medical panel.
The first Test begins at Headingley on Wednesday, and Pakistan's preparations have been complicated by uncertainty surrounding both Babar and captain Shan Masood.
Babar’s Fitness Becomes a Last-Minute Concern
Babar has been nursing an impact injury to his right hand since Pakistan's second Test against the West Indies.
The problem resurfaced during Pakistan's warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham, where Babar was struck on the hand again while batting.
He retired hurt and did not return to the match, with the Pakistan Cricket Board describing his withdrawal as a precautionary measure.
The latest update has done little to ease concerns.
Babar joined Pakistan's training session at Headingley on Monday and spent some time batting in the nets. However, his session was brief and he has yet to receive the all-clear required to play.
Pakistan bowling coach Mohammad Abbas confirmed that the final decision will be left to the medical panel and selection committee.
“Whether he plays or not will be a decision taken on match day.”
Babar did some throwdowns and batting practice during the session, but Pakistan are unwilling to take unnecessary risks with their star batter.
Pakistan Could Be Forced Into a Major Batting Change
If Babar is ruled out, Pakistan will have to reshape their middle order at short notice.
Saud Shakeel is expected to return after missing the recent Test series against the West Indies, while Awais Zafar could also feature.
Shakeel strengthened his case during the warm-up match by scoring a century and was already expected to be part of Pakistan's plans for the England series.
Babar's absence would therefore allow both Shakeel and Zafar to come into the XI.
For Pakistan, however, replacing Babar is about more than simply finding another batter.
The former captain remains one of the team's most experienced and technically accomplished players, and his presence in England would provide important stability in a challenging Test environment.
Shan Masood Provides Pakistan With Better News
Pakistan did receive a more encouraging update on Shan Masood.
Masood suffered a fractured finger during the first Test against the West Indies and subsequently missed the second match of the series.
He also sat out Pakistan's warm-up game in Beckenham, but the left-hander has now been able to complete an extended batting session in the nets.
Abbas said Masood looked very good during the session, although Pakistan will still wait for the medical team's final assessment.
“Shan practiced for the whole session and looked very good.”
Masood's availability would be a major boost for Pakistan, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Babar.
Babar’s Absence Could Create a Leadership Problem
The situation is complicated further by Babar's role within Pakistan's Test setup.
Babar took over as Test captain from Masood at the start of the West Indies series.
During his absence from the warm-up match in Beckenham, Pakistan were led by Salman Agha, who is the team's T20I captain.
However, Agha has never captained Pakistan in Test cricket.
If Babar and Masood were both unavailable, Pakistan could therefore face an unusual leadership situation just as they begin a demanding Test series in England.
Masood's improved fitness has reduced that possibility, but Babar's status remains a significant concern.
Pakistan Face a Huge Test in England
The uncertainty comes at an important stage of Pakistan's World Test Championship campaign.
England will provide a major challenge in home conditions, and Pakistan will want their strongest possible batting combination available from the opening day.
Babar's presence would be particularly valuable given his experience and record at the international level.
But Pakistan's medical team now has to balance his importance against the risk of aggravating an injury that has already resurfaced once during the tour.
With the first Test only two days away, there is little time left for Pakistan to make the call.
Babar’s Verdict Could Come on Match Day
Pakistan appear unwilling to make an early commitment on Babar.
The batter has returned to the nets, but a short session is unlikely to be enough on its own to guarantee his selection.
The medical panel will have the final say, with Pakistan expected to assess his fitness right up until the Test begins.
For Babar, it is now a race against time.
For Pakistan, the stakes are even higher.
If their star batter is cleared, they can begin the England series with one of their most important players back in the middle order.
If he fails to receive clearance, Pakistan will have to make an immediate adjustment — and potentially hand greater responsibility to a reshuffled batting line-up.
