Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam, has completely recovered from his thumb injury and is gearing up to take the field in the upcoming home series against South Africa after missing the Twenty20 International (T20I) and Test series on the recently-concluded New Zealand tour. 

During a training session in Queenstown on December 12, Babar Azam fractured his right thumb and was eventually ruled out of the entire New Zealand series that included the 3 T20Is and the two Tests. 

Babar Azam’s absence left a deep hole in the Pakistani line-up as the visitors lost the T20I series by 2-1 and suffered a humiliating whitewash in the two-match Test series.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was disappointed for missing the New-Zealand series but was upbeat ahead of the home Test series against the Proteas and said that he has recovered completely from injury and has started practicing as well. 

"It was disappointing to miss the matches against New Zealand because the team needed my services. However, I am now ready for the South African series and you will see me in action. I have also started practicing after completely recovering from the injury," said Babar Azam. 

"The whole team is excited for the series against South Africa. South Africa is a quality side and it will be a very important series for us," he added.

Babar Azam has backed the Pakistan bowling unit despite their poor show in New Zealand. Pakistan is yet to announce the squads for the South Africa series and the former said that after meeting the new chief selector they will announce the squad.

"It is important to support the team during difficult times. I have full confidence in our bowlers and I am sure they will perform better in the coming series.

I have not met the new chief selector yet. We will decide the squad for the South African series after consultation with the team management and selectors," said Pakistani skipper, Babar Azam.

Babar Azam, 26, also clarified that why Mohammad Amir has dropped from the squad ahead of the New Zealand tour. Amir, as a reaction to getting dropped, announced his retirement from international cricket last month.

"Mohammad Amir was dropped as his performances were not up to the mark. If he regains his form and continues to perform, then selectors will definitely consider his return and talk to him," he signed off.

South Africa’s tour of Pakistan starts with 2 Test matches, 1st of which will be played in Karachi starting on January 26, followed by 3 T20Is from February 11 to 14.

(India Today inputs)