LEEDS: Pakistan’s team management has begun considering its initial strategy for the first Test of the England tour, with a grass-covered pitch and rain forecast in Leeds prompting discussions over a pace-heavy lineup.
According to team sources, Pakistan is considering playing seven specialist batters and four specialist fast bowlers in the opening Test.
The management is not currently considering playing spinner Sajid Khan or Ali Usman because of the grassy surface and the possibility of rain in Leeds.
Pakistan remains hopeful that senior batters Babar Azam and Shan Masood will be available for the Test. A final decision on their availability is expected after Tuesday’s practice session.
Following the team’s first training session, the batters and bowlers held separate meetings. Pakistan’s bowlers were shown videos of England’s batters, while the batting group studied footage of England’s bowling attack as part of preparations for the series.
Babar Azam’s availability for first Test hinges on medical learance
Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s participation in the opening Test of the three-match series against England will depend on clearance from the team’s medical staff after he suffered a finger injury during a practice match last week.
Babar was struck on the finger by a delivery from fast bowler Manny Lumsden during Pakistan’s three-day practice game against a Professional County Club Select XI. The incident occurred on the final ball of the 39th over.
Babar immediately appeared to be in discomfort, dropped his bat and received treatment from the medical staff before leaving the field.
It was the second time in a month that Babar has been hit on the hand by a delivery. He had also sustained a blow to his hand during Pakistan’s Test series against the West Indies.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said the medical team advised Babar not to take further part in the practice match as a precaution.
Although Babar has since been seen training with his Pakistan teammates at Headingley, his participation in the first Test has not yet been confirmed.
Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas told reporters at Headingley on Monday that Babar’s availability would be decided by the PCB medical team on the day of the match.
Asked about Babar’s fitness, Abbas said the decision on whether the captain would play would be made on match day.
The first Test between Pakistan and England is scheduled to begin Wednesday, August 19, at Headingley in Leeds.
