Babar Azam misses out of England Test series opener

Pakistan have suffered a major setback ahead of their Test series against England, with star batter Babar Azam ruled out of the opening match at Headingley because of a right-hand injury.

Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed on Tuesday (August 18), a day before the Test begins, that Babar would miss the match. Salman Ali Agha will captain Pakistan in a Test for the first time in his absence.

Babar aggravated the injury during a three-day warm-up match against a Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham. He had previously injured the same hand during the second Test against the West Indies and had not fully recovered before suffering the latest setback.

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical team had advised Babar to rest for the remainder of the warm-up game. Although he returned to batting practice on Monday, the decision on his availability was initially expected to be made on the morning of the Test.

Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas said Babar had taken part in some throwdowns and batting drills but that the final decision would depend on medical advice.

Salman has previously captained Pakistan in both ODIs and T20Is. Taking charge in the Test against England will give him the opportunity to complete his leadership across all three formats.

The first Test begins at Headingley on Wednesday, with the remaining two matches scheduled as part of the three-Test series.