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Test captain Babar Azam is suffering from a fever ahead of the final test of Pakistan’s 2026 tour of England, to be played at Edgbaston.

The 31-year-old has already endured a difficult return to the side, scoring only 8 and 6 in the 2nd test played at Lord’s as Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat. The illness comes during the most crucial period where Pakistan needs a victory in the test.

Following their defeat in the second test, PCB removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, and seven players were sent home, while Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson was brought in to oversee the team for the final test.

According to the Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, Babar informed him about the fever. However, Cheema ruled out the concerns surrounding Babar’s health issue.

Babar Azam missed the first test of the series due to a finger injury and returned for the second test, where he failed to make an impression as he spent less time at the crease.

His form has been a concern, as his last Test century dates back to December 2022. The visitors suffered a defeat by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test played at Headingley.

After a defeat in the second Test, the Pakistan side faced backlash, and the Cricket Board made several changes to the support staff and squad, aiming for a win at Birmingham.

The final test of the series will be played between September 09 and 13 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Pakistan Squad for Third England Test: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Ubaid Shah