# Babar Azam rests after hand blow before England Tests

2026-08-15T09:57:38+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Pakistan captain Babar Azam retired hurt from a warm-up match after a rising delivery struck his bottom hand, creating a fitness concern two days before the first Test against England. The Times of India reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board called his withdrawal precautionary after an assessment by the team doctor. Babar was batting on five and did not return to the crease. The PCB expects Babar to resume training at Headingley on August 17, ahead of the opening Test on August 19. The three-match series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. Pakistan have also received a boost with Shan Masood returning from injury. The extent of Babar’s injury has not been disclosed.

## Coverage

- rediff.com <https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/babar-azam-suffers-injury-scare-ahead-of-england-tests/20260815.htm>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/injury-scare-for-babar-azam-ahead-of-england-tests-as-pakistan-captain-rested/articleshow/133260322.cms>

Tags: Babar Azam, England, ICC World Test Championship, Pakistan
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