Babar Azam Faces Fever Scare Ahead of Third Test Against England at Edgbaston
Pakistan captain Babar Azam has developed a fever ahead of the third Test match against England at Edgbaston, casting uncertainty over his availability for the encounter scheduled from September 9 to 13. The illness adds further complications to a touring contingent that has already experienced substantial disruption throughout the series.
What Happened
Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema confirmed the development on Wednesday, September 2, noting that medical personnel are monitoring the captain. While Cheema stated that there is no cause for panic and that a prompt recovery is expected, Babar’s clearance to play in the Edgbaston Test has not yet been confirmed. The situation was initially reported by Geo News.
This health concern arises during an unsettled period for Pakistan cricket. Following a 194-run loss to England in the second Test at Lord’s, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recalled seven players from the tour squad. Concurrently, the coaching staff was restructured, with Sarfaraz Ahmed removed as Test head coach and Umar Gul relieved of his bowling coach role, leaving Mike Hesson to oversee coaching across all formats. Furthermore, Misbah-ul-Haq offered his resignation as national selector.
Key Highlights
- Babar Azam is under medical monitoring for a fever ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston.
- Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema expressed confidence in a quick recovery, but Babar’s match participation remains unconfirmed.
- Babar played only in the second Test at Lord’s, scoring 8 and 6 after missing the series opener due to injury.
- Previous stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha and senior player Mohammad Rizwan were recalled to Pakistan following the Lord’s match.
- The PCB has yet to announce any backup plan, squad addition, or alternate captaincy arrangement.
Why This Matters
Babar’s potential absence creates an acute leadership and batting dilemma for Pakistan. The team’s available options have contracted sharply because seven squad members, including Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan, were recalled home after the second Test. Salman previously captained the side during the series opener when Babar was sidelined with an injury, but his departure leaves that option unavailable.
Should Babar be ruled out of the Edgbaston fixture, it would mark an eighth personnel change to the touring party during the tour. Additionally, Babar’s form remains under evaluation; after making 193 runs in a 1-1 series in the West Indies prior to the tour, he recorded scores of 8 and 6 at Lord’s and has not reached a Test century since his 161 against New Zealand in December 2022.
What to Watch Next
The Pakistan team management and medical staff will continue monitoring Babar’s condition in the days leading up to September 9. Observers will also look to the PCB for any official announcements regarding the playing eleven, a potential replacement, or an interim captain if Babar does not recover in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the third Test between Pakistan and England scheduled?
The third Test at Edgbaston is scheduled to take place from September 9 to September 13.
Who captained Pakistan when Babar Azam missed the first Test?
Salman Ali Agha captained the team during the opening Test while Babar sat out due to an injury.
Can Salman Ali Agha step in as captain again if Babar is unavailable?
No. Salman Ali Agha was recalled to Pakistan alongside Mohammad Rizwan and five other players following the defeat at Lord’s.
Source: Crictracker