Overview
- A rising delivery from PCC pacer Manny Lumsden struck Babar on the right hand during the second day of Pakistan’s three-day warm-up at Beckenham, forcing him to retire hurt on five.
- The Pakistan team doctor examined Babar and the Pakistan Cricket Board advised him to miss the remainder of the practice match as a precautionary measure.
- PCB has said Babar is expected to rejoin training at Headingley on Monday, August 17, and his availability for the first Test at Headingley on August 19 will be decided after ongoing monitoring.
- No replacement has been named and the touring squad remains unchanged while medical staff continue to assess his condition over the next days.
- This is the second hand blow Babar has suffered within about a month, increasing scrutiny on his readiness for the three-Test England series and the team’s planning in the World Test Championship cycle.