ENG vs PAK 26 Test: Pakistan Skipper Babar Azam Faces Injury Scare Before Opener

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has suffered an injury scare only days before the first Test against England after being struck on his right hand during a warm-up match in England. Babar retired hurt on five during the second day of Pakistan’s three-day fixture against a Professional County Club Select XI at Beckenham on August 14, 2026.

The timing of the setback attracted attention because Babar returned to the Test captaincy for the tours of the West Indies and England. The Pakistan Cricket Board has indicated that the decision to remove him from the warm-up match was precautionary, with the batter expected to return to training at Headingley on Monday, August 17.

Babar Azam Suffers Right-Hand Blow

Babar was batting during Pakistan’s second day against the Professional County Club Select XI when a delivery struck his right hand. He scored only five runs before being forced to retire hurt, bringing his part in the practice match to an early end.

Pakistan Medical Team Takes Precaution

Pakistan did not allow Babar to continue after the blow. The batter was assessed by the team doctor and advised to take no further part in the warm-up fixture as a precautionary measure.

There has been no indication from the Pakistan Cricket Board that the injury is serious enough to rule him out of the first Test. A Pakistan team spokesman said Babar is expected to participate in the team’s practice session at Headingley on Monday, signalling that Pakistan remain hopeful about his availability.

England Opener Is Just Days Away After Windies Red-Ball Tie

Pakistan’s first Test against England begins at Headingley in Leeds on Wednesday, August 19. The three-match series is part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship and will also feature Tests at Lord’s and Edgbaston.

Babar’s latest Test assignment came against the West Indies, where Pakistan drew the two-match series 1-1. He led Pakistan during the Caribbean tour before the squad moved towards England.

The series provided Babar with an opportunity to settle back into the leadership role before facing England. Pakistan’s upcoming challenge will be much different, however, with the team facing English conditions and a home side undergoing its own transition.

Babar Remains Central to the Batting Line-Up

Babar remains one of Pakistan’s most important batters besides being the team’s captain. He has more than 4,400 Test runs as part of his international career since debuting in cricket’s longest format.

Azam’s presence gives Pakistan experience and stability in a batting unit that will need to handle England’s seam attack. Missing him would create both a leadership problem and a major batting selection question at such a late stage before the first Test against their hosts.

England vs Pakistan 2026 Test Full Schedule

Pakistan Squad for 2026 Test Tour of England

Babar Azam, Abdullah Fazal, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Awais Zafar, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Salman Agha, Saud Shakeel, Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Rizwan, Ghazi Ghori, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Ubaid Shah, Sajid Khan, Mohammad Ali

England Squad for 2026 Test Series vs Pakistan

Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Gus Atkinson, Jordan Cox, Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Brydon Carse, Matthew Fisher, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, Sam Cook

Last 10 Pakistan vs England Test Matches Head-to-Head