Babar Azam Ruled Out of First Test Against England, Salman Agha to Lead Pakistan

Pakistan have suffered a major setback ahead of their three-match Test series against England, with captain Babar Azam ruled out of the opening Test at Headingley in Leeds. The match begins on Wednesday, August 19, with Babar’s absence confirmed by Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed on the eve of the contest.

Babar has been sidelined with a right-hand injury sustained during Pakistan’s warm-up match against a County Select XI in Beckenham.

The Pakistan captain was struck by England Under-19 pacer Manny Lumsden and subsequently retired hurt as a precaution. The injury is to the same hand that had troubled him during Pakistan’s recent Test against the West Indies. Babar was spotted wearing tape across his right finger, and is now set to miss out at least the first match of the series.

With Babar unavailable, Salman Ali Agha will take charge of Pakistan for the first Test. It will be his first stint as Pakistan’s Test captain, although he has previously led the side in white-ball cricket.

Babar’s absence is a significant blow to Pakistan’s batting line-up. The 31-year-old has scored nine Test centuries in 64 matches, and his recent return to form had provided encouragement ahead of the England tour. He had scored 88 in the first innings of the second Test against the West Indies and remained unbeaten on 24 in the successful chase as Pakistan levelled that series 1-1.

Pakistan are hopeful that Babar can recover in time for the second Test, but his immediate focus will remain on treatment and rehabilitation.

The first Test at Headingley also marks the beginning of a new phase for England, with Joe Root returning as captain following Ben Stokes’ retirement from Test cricket. The remaining Tests will be played at Lord’s from August 27 and Edgbaston from September 9.