Babar Azam’s fitness in focus as Pakistan prepare for first England Test

The first Test between Pakistan and England begins at Headingley on Wednesday, August 19, with both sides entering the three-match World Test Championship series with plenty to prove. For England, it is the beginning of a new era following Ben Stokes’ retirement, while Joe Root returns as captain for the first time since stepping down in 2022.

For Pakistan, the immediate concern is the fitness of their newly appointed Test captain Babar Azam, who suffered a blow to his right hand during the warm-up game against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham. Babar retired hurt as a precaution and, despite returning to batting practice, Pakistan are expected to make a final decision on his availability on match day.

Can Babar Azam overcome injury scare?

Mohammad Abbas said the medical panel and selection committee had yet to make a final call, with the decision expected on match day. Babar has already resumed some batting work, but Pakistan will not take unnecessary risks with their captain at the start of a three-Test series.

If Babar is ruled out, Saud Shakeel is likely to come into the middle order alongside Awais Zafar. Shakeel has given Pakistan the perfect reason to trust him after scoring an unbeaten century in the warm-up victory.

How will Pakistan cope with Shan Masood’s situation?

Babar is not the only fitness concern. Shan Masood, who suffered a fractured finger during the first Test against West Indies, missed the Beckenham warm-up entirely but has since returned to batting practice.

Shan trained for extended periods and looked comfortable, although the team will once again rely on medical advice before deciding whether he is ready for Headingley.

That uncertainty explains why Pakistan gave Awais Zafar an opportunity to bat ahead of Abdullah Shafique during the second innings of the practice game, allowing the youngster to remain prepared should either Babar or Shan miss out.\

Can Pakistan’s bowlers exploit Headingley conditions?

The warm-up match produced encouraging signs for Pakistan’s bowling attack. Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali shared six wickets in the first innings of the warm-up game, while left-arm spinner Ali Usman picked up a fifer in the second innings.

However, Headingley presents a very different challenge. The Beckenham surface was dry and offered conditions more suited to Pakistan’s spinners, whereas Leeds traditionally provides bounce and can offer assistance to seamers, particularly when the skies are overcast.

That could make Pakistan’s disciplined new-ball attack one of the most important factors in the Test. If Abbas, Mohammad Ali and company can exploit movement with the new ball, England’s reshaped batting order could come under serious pressure.

Can Saud Shakeel continue his comeback?

Pakistan’s biggest batting positive from the warm-up was Saud Shakeel’s unbeaten hundred. His return to form could prove crucial, particularly if Babar is unavailable.

Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha have not made the strongest impression recently, increasing the importance of contributions from the likes of Shakeel and Imam-ul-Haq. Imam also found some rhythm in Beckenham, scoring 80 in Pakistan’s successful chase.

Pakistan arrive after drawing their two-Test series in the West Indies 1-1, and they will hope the confidence gained from that second-Test victory and their warm-up win can translate into a strong start at Headingley.

Can Joe Root revive England?

England have plenty of problems of their own. They have struggled for consistency in Test cricket and are beginning a new chapter after Stokes’ retirement and the end of the previous coaching regime.

Root now returns to the captaincy, but he will also carry the enormous responsibility of anchoring England’s batting at No. 4. Harry Brook follows him at five, while Dan Lawrence returns to the Test side at No. 6 after an outstanding County Championship season.

At No. 3, Jordan Cox faces perhaps the biggest challenge. With Jacob Bethell ruled out by a knee injury, Cox has been promoted from the lower middle order to first drop despite limited experience in the position.

England’s bowling attack could be equally decisive. Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse provide pace and bounce, while Shoaib Bashir strengthened his case for selection with four wickets in the warm-up game. England could opt for Bashir as their lone specialist spinner or choose an extra seamer and rely on Root and Lawrence for additional spin.

Who holds the edge at Headingley?

England will have home advantage and conditions that should suit their pace attack, but Pakistan have genuine reasons for optimism. Their bowlers looked sharp in Beckenham, Shakeel rediscovered his touch and Imam also made a substantial contribution.

Yet Babar and Shan’s fitness could dramatically alter the balance.

If both are available, Pakistan should possess enough experience to challenge England’s reshaped side. If either misses out, the visitors will have to rely heavily on their emerging batters and their bowlers.

With overcast conditions expected and Headingley traditionally capable of producing movement and bounce, the first Test could be decided by which side adapts quickest.