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Babar Azam develops fever ahead of third Test as Pakistan face series whitewash
Pakistan captain Babar Azam has developed a fever ahead of the third Test against England at Edgbaston, with team manager Naveed Akram Cheema saying there is 'no need to panic'. The news adds to a turbulent tour for Pakistan, who have already lost the series after heavy defeats in the first two Tests.
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Babar Azam unwell ahead of Edgbaston Test
Pakistan captain Babar Azam has developed a fever ahead of the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston, with team manager Naveed Akram Cheema confirming the batter is unwell but insisting there is no cause for concern.
Speaking to Geo News, Cheema said Babar himself informed him about the fever and added that there is "no need to panic" regarding the 31-year-old's health. The team manager also expressed confidence that Babar would recover soon, indicating there is currently no indication that the illness will keep him out of the final Test.
The development comes at a difficult time for Pakistan, who have already conceded the three-match series after suffering heavy defeats in the opening two Tests. England won the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before securing a 194-run victory at Lord's to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Babar's struggles on return
Babar returned to the Pakistan side for the Lord's Test after missing the series opener because of an injury sustained during the team's warm-up match in Beckenham. He subsequently played the second Test at Lord's.
However, Babar produced a disappointing outcome after he was dismissed for eight in the first innings and then six in the second innings. His 14 runs across two innings intensified questions over his form, particularly with his Test century drought stretching back to December 2022.
Pakistan were set a target of 389 in the second Test, but were eventually bowled out for 194. Saud Shakeel provided resistance for the visitors with a valiant 97, but it proved in vain.
Pakistan's turbulent tour
The news of Babar's illness comes as a significant blow for Pakistan, whose players have had serious repercussions following their heavy defeats in the first two Tests. As many as seven players, including Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq, were sent back home, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed also being removed.
Mike Hesson, Pakistan's white-ball head coach, has taken over as the Test coach for the third and final Test, slated to begin at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from 9 September. Pakistan have failed to score more than 200 in any innings across the first two Tests, underlining the scale of their batting problems.
Pakistan now head to Birmingham needing to avoid a 0-3 series whitewash. For Babar, the priority will be twofold: recover from the fever and rediscover the form expected of their premier batter and captain.
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Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimPakistan captain Babar Azam developed a fever ahead of the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston.
ClaimBabar Azam returned to the Pakistan side for the Lord's Test after missing the series opener due to an injury sustained during a warm-up match in Beckenham.