Injured Babar Azam likely to miss first Test against New Zealand

Recovering from a thumb injury, Pakistan captain Babar Azam could miss the opening Test against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui beginning Dec. 26.

Babar, who has been Pakistan's top run-scorer across all three formats since last year, suffered a fracture in his thumb during a throw-down session in Queenstown on Dec. 12, which ruled him out of the three-match T20 series.

"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," said a source aware of the developments in New Zealand.

Led by vice-captain Shadab Khan, Pakistan looked rusty as a team and lost the first T20 in Auckland on Friday.

Pakistan has also lost opener Imam-ul-Haq due to a thumb fracture and he has been advised at least 12 days of rest.

Babar has also been given a 12-day rehab and rest period to be fit again but the source said the Pakistan captain's injury was taking time to heal and he was still unable to hold a bat properly.

ALSO READ | Babar's ouster a major setback: Pak bowling coach Waqar

The source said that Babar and Imam would have scans on their injuries on Dec. 25. If the fractures show healing, Babar could then take a risk for the first Test but it would depend on how fit he feels at that time.

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-batsman Muhammad Rizwan will lead the side as he was named Test vice-captain before the tour.