NZ vs PAK: Babar, Imam ul-Haq ruled out of first Test

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and batsman Imam-ul-Haq are set to miss the opening Test against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui, starting Saturday (December 26).

While Babar suffered a fracture in his right thumb, Imam fractured his left thumb during practice last week. Both players are yet to return to training sessions and have already missed the ongoing T20I series. In Babar’s absence, Mohammad Rizwan will lead the Pakistani Test side, at least in the opening Test. A team of doctors is closely monitoring both Babar and Imam and their progress. Their participation in the second Test that begins on January 03 is subject to the doctors’ final assessment.

“Confident and optimistic”: Misbah

“Contrary to the T20I side, the Test side appears to be pretty organised and we boast some experienced cricketers, both in batting and bowling departments. With some competitive cricket on the tour now under the belt, I am hoping we will be a better outfit in the longer version of the game,” head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said.

“Although it will be nearly two weeks to Babar’s injury when the first Test starts, it will be hard on him and the team to play him without any net sessions. I remain confident and optimistic that other players will rise to the occasion in Mount Maunganui and use the opportunity to rise to the occasion and put the disappointment of the T20I series behind them,” he added.

Imran Butt added to Test squad

Pakistan’s selection committee has added Balochistan’s Imran Butt to the 17-man Test squad. Additionally, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan and Yasir Shah have all returned to the Test team.

Pakistan Test squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Butt, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan and Yasir Shah.