WATCH: Babar Azam returns to nets ahead of 2nd Test against New Zealand

A welcome sight for the fans of the Pakistan cricket team, captain Babar Azam returned to the nets on Thursday.

The PCB shared a video of Babar prepping up for the nets amid rumours that the skipper may not play the second Test match against New Zealand.

Interestingly, in the video, the skipper was not seen batting but bowling instead.

Babar did pick up the bat in the videos, however, it was outside of the nets session.

As per sources, the team management had planned to examine Azam's injured thumb during the training session at Christchurch.

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The sources also stated that the management will wait for Azam to recover from his injury "till the last moment".

The remarks had come ahead of the second Test match of the series due to begin between Pakistan and New Zealand in January.

Sources added that Azam has already started participating in mild practice sessions to assess his fitness. He, however, has not started playing against fast bowlers.

According to the management, it does not want to take any risks by allowing Azam to play cricket in view of his injury.

It should be recalled that Azam fractured his right thumb during a practice session before the Pakistan vs New Zealand T20 series. As a result, Babar was ruled out of the series.

Read more: Mohammad Rizwan to lead Pakistan as Babar Azam ruled out of first Test

Since he was not able to lead the Green Shirts in the three-match T20Is series against the Black Caps, vice-captain Shadab Khan was appointed the skipper, while wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan led the side during the first Test.

Pakistan will play the second Test against New Zealand from January 2, 2021. New Zealand currently lead the two-match series 1-0.