Pakistan captain Babar Azam is set to cut short his involvement in the team's three-day practice game against a PCC Select XI in Beckenham after taking a painful blow to his right hand. The incident took place during the second day's morning session when Babar was batting on 5*.
Fast bowler Manny Lumsden sent down a short-of-a-length ball that rose sharply and struck Babar on the bottom hand. Babar was in visible discomfort after copping the blow and walked off the field. He did not return to the middle for the remainder of the innings.
"Following an assessment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to take rest from the remaining practice match," the PCB said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Babar is expected to resume cricket by the beginning of next week and should take part in the team's training sessions ahead of the first Test at Headingley, scheduled to begin on August 19.