LONDON: Pakistan’s preparations for the highly anticipated three-match Test series against England will begin with a vital four-day warm-up fixture against a Professional County Club Select XI, offering the visitors an opportunity to fine-tune their game in English conditions before the opening Test. The Pakistan men’s cricket team is scheduled to arrive in London on August 8, with the warm-up match set to take place from August 12 to 15 at the County Cricket Ground, Beckenham. The fixture will be organized by Kent Cricket and will feature a Select XI comprising experienced first-class players from various English county sides. The practice match is expected to play a crucial role in helping Pakistan’s batters and bowlers adapt to the swinging and seam-friendly conditions that have traditionally challenged touring teams in England. Team management will also use the game to assess combinations and finalize the playing XI ahead of the Test series. Pakistan will begin the Test campaign on August 19 at Headingley in Leeds. The second Test will be played at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from August 27, while the third and final match is scheduled for September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The upcoming tour marks Pakistan’s fourth Test visit to England since 2016. During that period, Pakistan have produced several memorable performances, drawing two Test series while losing one in 2020. Their ability to compete in English conditions has earned praise from cricket experts and fans alike. Overall, Pakistan and England have contested 29 bilateral Test series since their first meeting in 1954, creating one of cricket’s most respected rivalries. With a challenging series on the horizon, the Beckenham warm-up fixture could prove decisive in shaping Pakistan’s preparations. Supporters will be hoping the team builds confidence early and carries that momentum into what promises to be another fascinating chapter in the historic Pakistan-England Test rivalry. Pakistan squad for England Tour: Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah Pakistan tour of England (All matches to begin at 3pm PKT): 1st Test – 19-23 August at Headingley, Leeds 2nd Test – 27-31 August at Lord’s, London 3rd Test – 9-13 September at Edgbaston, Birmingham

LAHORE: Pakistan are reportedly close to appointing Mike Smith as the batting coach of the national Test team, with the experienced South African expected to take charge ahead of this month’s crucial three-match Test series against England. According to sources, Smith is the leading candidate for the role and could officially join the team before the England tour begins. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to make a formal announcement regarding the appointment. Smith is a Level 4-qualified coach and a former South African first-class cricketer. He is also familiar with Pakistan cricket, having previously worked with Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he earned praise for his coaching methods and player development. If appointed, Smith will replace the interim coaching arrangement currently being handled by former Pakistan batter Asad Shafiq, who has been serving as the team’s temporary batting coach. The PCB began its search for a permanent batting coach in May, inviting applications from qualified candidates. The deadline for submissions was June 7, after which the board evaluated potential applicants before shortlisting candidates for the position. Pakistan’s move to strengthen its coaching staff comes at an important time, with the national team preparing for a challenging Test assignment in England. The series is expected to be a significant test for Pakistan’s batting unit, which has faced criticism for inconsistent performances in recent overseas matches. Adding an experienced batting specialist is seen as part of the PCB’s broader strategy to improve the team’s red-ball performances and provide greater technical support to the players. Smith’s previous experience in franchise cricket and his reputation for working closely with batters could make him a valuable addition to Pakistan’s coaching setup. Although an official confirmation is still awaited, reports suggest the appointment process is in its final stages. With the England Test series approaching rapidly, the PCB is expected to finalize the coaching staff soon as Pakistan aims to build a stronger batting lineup capable of delivering consistent performances in challenging overseas conditions.

TRINIDAD: West Indies endured a significant setback on day three of the second Test against Pakistan after opener Brandon King was forced off the field with a painful lower back injury moments after producing a brilliant run-out to dismiss Babar Azam. The dramatic incident unfolded during Pakistan’s first innings when Babar, who resumed play on an overnight score of 84, looked well placed to end his long wait for a Test century. However, a costly mix-up with fellow batter Abdullah Shafique brought his innings to an abrupt end. Attempting a quick single after guiding the ball into the off side, Babar found himself stranded halfway down the pitch as King reacted sharply from cover. The West Indies fielder gathered the ball cleanly and unleashed a direct hit that caught the Pakistan star well short of his crease. While the dismissal gave the hosts a much-needed breakthrough, it came at a heavy price. King appeared to injure his lower back during the throwing action and immediately collapsed to the ground in visible pain. Medical staff rushed onto the field, and after several minutes of treatment, the 31-year-old was taken off on a stretcher, leaving teammates and spectators concerned. Cricket West Indies later confirmed that King had suffered lower back muscle spasms and would take no further part in day three’s play as a precaution. Team officials added that his condition would continue to be monitored by the medical staff before a decision is made on his availability for the remainder of the match. Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed on 266-2, with Babar and Abdullah adopting a cautious approach as the West Indies bowling attack maintained disciplined lines and restricted scoring opportunities. The pressure eventually paid off with Babar’s dismissal in the 75th over after he added just two runs to his overnight total. King’s injury has added fresh concern for the West Indies camp at a crucial stage of the Test, with the hosts now awaiting further medical updates while trying to keep Pakistan’s batting lineup under control. The coming days could prove decisive not only for the outcome of the match but also for King’s immediate cricketing future.

LEEDS: Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s participation in the opening Test against England has become uncertain after the star batter suffered a blow to his hand during a practice match against the PCC Select XI. Babar was batting on five in the 39th over when a delivery from fast bowler Manny Lumsden struck his hand. The right-hander immediately appeared uncomfortable and received treatment from the team’s medical staff before retiring hurt. The Pakistan Cricket Board later advised Babar to rest as a precaution, but a final decision on his availability for the first Test has not yet been made. The development comes at a crucial moment for Pakistan, with the three-match Test series against England scheduled to begin on Wednesday at Headingley. Babar had returned as Pakistan’s Test captain earlier this year and was selected to lead the side throughout the England tour. Babar’s possible absence would be a significant concern for Pakistan, particularly given his importance in the middle order and his leadership role. The team management is expected to take no risks with the experienced batter and will assess his condition before confirming the playing XI. Babar briefly took part in a training session at Headingley on Monday, offering some encouragement to Pakistan. However, his availability is expected to be assessed again after Tuesday’s practice session, when the medical team should have a clearer picture of his recovery. Meanwhile, Shan Masood has also resumed training in Leeds and could feature in the opening Test. Shan had been sidelined after fracturing a finger while batting during the first Test against the West Indies in Tarouba. Despite the injury, he returned to the crease in the second innings but was unable to bat in his regular position. Subsequent scans confirmed the fracture, ruling him out of the second Test. Pakistan will hope both senior batters are fit as they prepare for a demanding series in England. The first Test is scheduled for August 19-23 at Headingley, followed by matches at Lord’s and Edgbaston. With the opener only days away, Babar’s fitness has emerged as one of the biggest talking points around Pakistan’s preparations. The team will await medical clearance before deciding whether its captain is ready to take the field. Pakistan squad Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Abdullah Shafique, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel* (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.