Watch: Babar Azam hit on hand, pulls out of Pakistan vs PCC Select XI warm-up match

During the three-day warm-up contest between Pakistan and the Professional County Club Select XI 2nd innings at the Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham, Pakistan faced a massive blow as their captain, Babar Azam, was hit on his hand and found themselves in a critical situation.  

Pakistan came into the contest on the back of their 1-1 drawn two-match Test series against West Indies, including the victory in the second Test at the Port of Spain. It will also be Pakistan’s first Test series in England after more than six years.

The painful blow that forced Babar Azam off the field — Full video

A video has gone viral on social media platforms where Babar was seen to be hit on the hand when he was unbeaten on five runs. Manny Lumsden offered a good-length delivery to the right-handed batter, who was taken aback by the awkward bounce of the surface.

Watch Babar Azam's painful injury here- 

The ball hit the batter on his wrist, and Babar immediately took his hands out of the bat and moved towards the leg side. He showed incredible pain in his hand, and later, he decided to leave the ground on retired hurt.

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It has been a concern for the side, who would want their veteran star player to be back on the field quickly, given his skills and technique to do well in the English conditions.

Will Babar Azam be fit for the opening Test vs England at Leeds? Here's the latest update

The PCB released a statement in which they revealed that Babar won’t be taking part in the rest of the practice game and will be back on the field during their practice session ahead of the opening Test match against England at Leeds on August 19.

“Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam, while batting during the second day of the ongoing three-day practice match at Kent County Cricket Club, was struck on the right hand by a ball. Following an assessment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to rest for the remainder of the practice match.” The PCB statement addressed.  

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“Babar will participate in Pakistan team’s practice session on Monday, 17 August, at Headingley Cricket Ground.” The statement informed.

The second red-ball clash of the series will be on August 27 at Lord’s in London before the series ends on September 9 at Edgbaston with the third Test match.

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