Pakistan skipper Babar Azam’s participation in the second Test against New Zealand is still uncertain as he has not fully recovered from his thumb fracture.

The prolific batsman missed the three T20Is and the first Test against New Zealand after he suffered the injury during a throw-down session.  

The final decision about Babar’s inclusion in the playing XI will be taken after Thursday and Friday’s practice sessions in Christchurch. If Babar is able to face the bowlers in the nets without any difficulty, then he might feature in the second Test.

Although, sources have stated, the team management is not keen on taking any risk before the home series against South Africa which is why resting Babar for the second Test is also under consideration.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan will lead the side, incase Babar is not available.

The team management also appreciated the players for their spirited display in the first Test, which Pakistan lost by 101 runs, and urged them to make a comeback in the second Test.