LEEDS: Pakistan face a late decision over captain Babar Azam’s availability for the opening Test against England after the star batter made a brief return to the nets on Monday, while Shan Masood boosted his chances of playing by completing a full training session.

The first of the three Tests begins at Headingley on Wednesday, with Babar still awaiting clearance from the medical team after suffering a finger injury to his right hand.

Babar was first struck on the hand while batting in the second Test against the West Indies earlier this month. He was hit again during Pakistan’s warm-up match against the Professional Cou­nty Club Select XI at Becke­nham last week and retired hurt.

Although the Pakistan Cricket Board described his withdrawal from that game as precautionary, the latest development means his participation in the first Test remains uncertain.

Babar batted for a short period in the nets during Pakistan’s first training session at Headingley, but no decision has been taken on whether he will be fit to lead the side.

“Whether he plays or not will be a decision taken on match day,” fast bowler Mohammad Abbas told reporters after the session. “He did a few throw-downs and some batting practice today. But we’ll have to follow medical advice for it.”

Babar’s absence would leave Pakistan without their first-choice captain and potentially force a reshuffle in the middle order.

Saud Shakeel, who missed the West Indies series and was included in the England squad subject to fitness, scored a century in the Beckenham warm-up and is expected to feature.

Mohammad Awais Zafar, who made his Test debut in the second match against the West Indies, could also retain his place if Babar is ruled out.

The captaincy would present another complication. Babar took over the Test leadership from Masood at the start of the West Indies series, while Salman Ali Agha led Pakistan in the Beckenham warm-up in Babar’s absence. Salman is Pakistan’s T20 captain but has yet to lead the side in Test cricket.

There was more encouraging news regarding Shan, however, with Abbas saying the opener looked ready after completing the entire training session.

Shan fractured a finger after being struck during the first Test in the West Indies and subsequently missed the second match. He also sat out the Beckenham warm-up but returned to batting practice in Leeds on Monday.

“With Shan, too, we’re just going to rely on the medical advice,” Abbas said. “Shan practised for the whole session and looked very good.”

Pakistan enter the series with some confidence after beating the West Indies in the second Test to draw the two-match series 1-1, but face an England side undergoing significant changes.

England will be playing their first Test since Ben Stokes’ retirement and Brendon McCullum’s departure as head coach. Joe Root has returned as captain, while Stephen Fleming has been appointed as head coach, although his tenure begins later in the year.

Abbas, who has extensive experience of playing in England, said Pakistan were focused on their own preparations rather than England’s recent struggles.

“As a team we are in good shape,” he said. “We won the last game at West Indies. We played really good cricket and we will try to win the series.”

The 36-year-old seamer, who has played county cricket and has spent much of his career adapting to different conditions, said he remained ready to contribute whenever Pakistan required him.

“I’m trying to stay fit for every condition,” Abbas said. “I am available in every condition, not only in England.”

The series is part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship. The second Test will be played at Lord’s from Aug 27 to 31, followed by the third at Edgbaston from Sept 9 to 13.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2026