India, Aug. 17 -- Although Babar Azam batted in the nets on Monday, there is no guarantee that he will feature in the first Test against hosts England starting on Wednesday at Headingley.

According to an ESPNcricinfo report, his stint at the nets was brief, and that's an indication that the Pakistani team management is cautious. Azam picked up a hand injury during the second Test against the West Indies earlier this month, and then in a warm-up game against Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham last week, he was hit again on the same hand and had to go back retired hurt as a result.

Ever since, Babar has been a doubt for the first Test. The very fact that he batted gives some hope but then at the same time, he didn't bat for l...