Birmingham, England
Pakistan’s problems on their England tour appear to be mounting. After losing the first two matches of the three-Test series, Pakistan now face the challenge of avoiding a clean sweep. Adding to their concerns, reports suggest that captain Babar Azam is unwell and suffering from a high fever ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston.
According to a report by Geo Super, Babar Azam’s England tour has taken another difficult turn. The captain’s illness comes at a time when he is also struggling for runs, increasing concerns within the Pakistan camp.
The third Test is particularly important for Pakistan as they are currently 0-2 down in the series after losing the opening two matches.
Babar Azam Struggles Again in the Second Test
Babar Azam’s return to the Test side has so far failed to produce the performances expected from one of Pakistan’s leading batters.
In the second Test at Lord’s, Babar scored only 8 runs in the first innings and managed just 6 runs in the second innings.
His lack of runs added to Pakistan’s batting problems as the visitors suffered a 194-run defeat at Lord’s. The result gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Captain’s Illness Adds to Pakistan’s Problems
Pakistan are already dealing with poor form and uncertainty within the team. Babar Azam’s reported illness has therefore emerged as another major concern ahead of the decisive third Test.
Babar is not only one of Pakistan’s most important batters but also carries the responsibility of leading the side. If he is unable to recover fully before the Edgbaston Test, Pakistan could face difficulties in both the batting and leadership departments.
His fitness will therefore be closely monitored in the build-up to the match.
Edgbaston Test a Must-Win for Pakistan
The third Test has become extremely important for Pakistan. Having lost the first two matches, they trail the series 0-2 and now have little room for error.
Pakistan will look to produce a strong response at Edgbaston, challenge England and finish the series with a victory. However, the immediate priority will be determining whether Babar Azam is fit enough to take part.
If the captain fails to recover in time, Pakistan may have to make changes to both their playing combination and tactical approach.
For Babar personally, the match could also be an opportunity to regain his form. After a disappointing run with the bat, a strong performance would be important for both his confidence and Pakistan’s chances of ending the tour on a positive note.
