Babar Azam faces late fitness test ahead of England Test opener

Pakistan are waiting for medical clearance before deciding whether their star batter will feature in the first Test at Headingley

Babar Azam's participation in Pakistan's opening Test against England remains uncertain, with the team expected to make a final decision close to the start of the match.

The former Pakistan captain is recovering from a right-hand finger injury and must receive clearance from the team's medical panel before he can be considered for selection.

Babar initially suffered the injury while batting during Pakistan's second Test against West Indies. His problems resurfaced during the team's warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham, when he was struck on the same hand and retired hurt.

The Pakistan Cricket Board subsequently described his withdrawal from the remainder of the practice match as precautionary.

Limited time in the nets

Pakistan reached Leeds on Sunday before holding their first training session at Headingley on Monday, just two days before the start of the three-Test series.

Babar did take part in some batting practice, including throwdowns, but spent only a short period in the nets. Although he did not appear to be in significant discomfort, his limited session has left his availability uncertain.

Pakistan assistant Mohammad Abbas confirmed that neither the medical panel nor the selectors had made a final decision."Whether he plays or not will be a decision taken on match day," Abbas said.

He added that Babar had completed some batting practice but that the team would follow the medical team's recommendation before making a decision.

Shakeel and Zafar could both feature

If Babar is ruled out, Pakistan could make room for Saud Shakeel and Awais Zafar in the middle order.

Shakeel missed the recent Test series against West Indies but strengthened his case by scoring a century in the warm-up match in Beckenham.

Zafar, meanwhile, made his Test debut during the second match against West Indies.

Babar's absence would therefore allow Pakistan to accommodate both players in the starting XI.

Shan Masood provides positive update

Pakistan have also been monitoring the fitness of captain Shan Masood, who suffered a fractured finger during the first Test in the West Indies.

Masood missed the second Test and did not participate in the warm-up fixture in England. However, his latest net session provided greater encouragement.

According to Abbas, Masood batted throughout the training session and looked in good shape."With Shan, too, we're just going to rely on the medical advice. Shan practiced for the whole session and looked very good."

His availability would provide Pakistan with an important boost ahead of the series.

Leadership could become another concern

Babar's potential absence would have implications beyond Pakistan's batting order.

He took over as Test captain from Masood at the start of the West Indies series. During the warm-up game in Beckenham, Salman Agha led Pakistan in Masood's absence.

Although Agha is Pakistan's T20I captain, he has yet to lead the national side in a Test.

With the first Test approaching, Pakistan therefore face two key fitness calls and could be forced into late changes to both their batting combination and leadership structure.

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