Pakistan have been dealt a fitness blow ahead of their three-Test series against England after captain Babar Azam was forced to retire hurt during a warm-up match following a painful blow to his hand.

Babar was batting on just five for Pakistan against a Professional County Club Select XI when a rising delivery from England Under-19 pacer Manny Lumsden struck his bottom hand. The Pakistan batter was visibly in discomfort and did not return to bat for the remainder of the practice match.

Precautionary Withdrawal, Says PCB

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) moved quickly to allay fears, describing the withdrawal as a precautionary measure following an assessment by the team's medical staff.

“Following an assessment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to take rest from the remainder of the practice match,” the PCB said in a media release.

The full extent of the injury remains unclear, but the timing could hardly be worse for Pakistan, with the first Test against England set to begin on August 19 at Headingley — just days away.

Babar Set to Return to Training on Monday

Pakistan have indicated that their skipper is expected to rejoin the team's training session at Headingley Cricket Ground on Monday, which should provide a clearer picture of his readiness for the opening Test.

Babar, 31, was recently re-appointed as Pakistan's Test captain and will be eager to build on a positive start to his second stint in the role. Pakistan drew their two-Test series in the West Indies 1-1, ending a streak of eight consecutive overseas Test defeats with an eight-wicket win in the second Test.

Shan Masood Return Provides Boost

While Babar's fitness remains a concern, Pakistan have received a welcome boost with the return of Shan Masood from injury. Masood's availability adds depth and experience to a batting order that will be tested against a strong England side on home soil.

The England series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27. England currently sit seventh in the standings with a points percentage of 24.36, while Pakistan are eighth on 22.22 — making this series crucial for both teams' campaigns.

England vs Pakistan Test Schedule

• First Test: August 19–23, Headingley
• Second Test: August 27–31, Lord's
• Third Test: September 9–13, Edgbaston

Pakistan Test Squad

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