Pakistan captain Babar in injury scare ahead of England opener

Pakistan captain Babar Azam suffered an injury during the second day of a warm-up match ahead of next week's first test against England.

Babar was forced to retire hurt on five during Friday's second day of three against a Professional County Club Select XI after being hit on the right hand.

A Pakistan spokesman said Babar will take no further part in the fixture, but added: "Babar will participate in Pakistan team's practice session on Monday at Headingley Cricket Ground."

Babar Azam retired hurt after being hit on the hand during the warm-up match. pic.twitter.com/Yw2kRwY9Fw — Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) August 14, 2026

The first of a three-test series against England begins at Headingley on Wednesday, with top-order batsman Babar having led Pakistan to a 1-1 draw in a two-match clash away to the West Indies earlier this month.

Pakistan made 238 in reply to the PCC team's first-innings 305, with England offspinner Shoaib Bashir taking 4-76 and 17-year-old Manny Lumsden 2-24.