Babar Azam battles fever ahead of Edgbaston Test

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is battling a fever just days before the third Test against England at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on September 9, adding to the turmoil surrounding the team's ongoing tour. Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema confirmed the illness but stated there was no cause for panic, expressing confidence that the star batter would recover in time for the match. The news of Babar's condition emerges amid a sweeping overhaul of the Pakistan squad following two heavy defeats in the first two Tests. The Pakistan Cricket Board has dropped seven players from the touring party, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad. In their place, five uncapped players have been added: Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah. The squad also includes Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who together have only ten Test caps. The changes extend to the coaching staff. Head coach Saqlain Mushtaq and bowling coach Umar Gul have been sent home.