Pakistan begin England Test preparations as hosts face injury concerns

Pakistan have begun preparations for their upcoming three-match Test series against England, holding their first training session at Kent County Cricket Club in Beckenham on Monday.

How has Pakistan started preparing for the England series?

The players went through physical conditioning drills and fielding exercises as the team started its build-up for what promises to be a demanding Test assignment in English conditions.

Pakistan’s newly appointed batting coach, Michael Smith, also joined the squad. Smith met the players before overseeing a batting session, working closely with the batters as they began preparations for the series.

The Pakistan team will return to Kent County Cricket Club for another training session on Tuesday.

When will Pakistan face England in the Test series?

The opening Test is scheduled at Headingley from August 19 to 23, with the second Test to follow at Lord’s from August 27 to 31. The final match will be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.

Before the series begins, Pakistan will also play a four-day warm-up fixture against a Select XI from August 12 to 15.

Can Pakistan carry momentum from the West Indies?

Pakistan arrive in England after drawing their two-Test series against the West Indies 1-1.

The result provided a significant confidence boost, particularly after Pakistan ended their long wait for an overseas Test victory. Their win in the second Test was their first away Test triumph since July 2023.

The team will now look to build on that momentum while adapting to England’s conditions.

What is the latest on Pakistan’s key players?

There had been some reports suggesting Babar Azam could be an injury concern ahead of the England series. However, the star batter allayed those concerns by taking part in Pakistan’s first practice session at Kent County Cricket Club on Monday.

Shan Masood, meanwhile, has yet to regain full fitness. The left-hander missed the second Test against the West Indies after suffering an injury, with Abdullah Shafique stepping in as his replacement.

Shafique made the most of the opportunity, producing a match-winning century that played a key role in Pakistan’s eight-wicket victory and helped them level the two-Test series 1-1.

What is England’s latest injury concern?

England have been handed an early concern with opener Emilio Gay racing to recover from a right shoulder injury.

The 26-year-old suffered the setback while representing Durham against Middlesex in the One-Day Cup. Gay felt discomfort before aggravating the injury while attempting a straight drive against Toby Roland-Jones.

A scan confirmed the injury on Saturday, and he will now work with England’s medical staff at Beckenham. His participation in the four-day warm-up against Pakistan, starting Wednesday, is uncertain, as is his availability for the opening Test.

Who could replace Emilio Gay?

England have not yet called up a replacement, with Ollie Pope the most likely option from the existing 16-man squad. Pope is currently listed as a reserve batter and wicketkeeper.

Dan Lawrence has previously opened in Test cricket, while Jordan Cox also has first-class experience at the top of the order. Outside the squad, Surrey’s Dom Sibley, Ben McKinney and Asa Tribe could also come into consideration.

England’s concerns have already been increased by Jacob Bethell’s absence from the entire series.

Why was Jofra Archer rested?

England have also taken steps to manage Jofra Archer’s workload ahead of the series. Southern Brave rested the fast bowler for their final group match against Trent Rockets, with captain Chris Jordan confirming that Archer was being rested.

The franchise said the decision was made because Archer has a busy period of cricket ahead.

England have named seven fast bowlers for the first two Tests, underlining the importance of their pace resources as they prepare to host Pakistan from August 19.