Injured Babar Azam could miss first Test against New Zealand

Babar, who has been Pakistan's top run-scorer across all three formats since 2019, suffered a fracture in his thumb during a throw-down session in Queenstown on December 12.

If Babar is not fit in time for the first Test, wicketkeeper-batman Muhammad Rizwan will lead the side as he was named Test vice-captain before the tour.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who is recovering from a thumb injury, could miss the opening Test against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui beginning December 26.

Babar, who has been Pakistan's top run-scorer across all three formats since 2019, suffered a fracture in his thumb during a throw-down session in Queenstown on December 12 which ruled him out of the three-match T20 series. Pakistan has also lost opener Imam-ul-Haq due to a thumb fracture. Imam has been advised a 12-day rest.

 

"Babar is under rehab and has done some light training but whether he will be 100 per cent match fit in time for the first Test is a long shot," a source aware of the developments in New Zealand said.

Pakistan, led by vice-captain Shadab Khan, lost the first T20 in Auckland on Friday. The Pakistan squad had to undergo an extended 14-day quarantine period in Christchurch after around 10 players tested positive for COVID-19 with four diagnosed as historical cases and six new infections.

 

If Babar is not fit in time for the first Test, wicketkeeper-batman Muhammad Rizwan will lead the side as he was named Test vice-captain before the tour.