Pakistan lose Babar Azam for first Test against England series

Pakistan will start their three-Test series against England without captain Babar Azam, who has not recovered from a hand injury sustained in a practice match against a County Championship XI. Salman Agha will lead the team in the opening Test.

Babar was hit on the hand while batting in the warm-up fixture. Ongoing pain in his finger has prevented him from being cleared for the first match, leaving Pakistan without their regular captain at the beginning of the series.

Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed that Agha, who captains the country in Twenty20 internationals, will take over the leadership duties for the opener. The change applies to the first Test, while Babar’s wider involvement in the series remains under assessment.

Pakistan are still hopeful that Babar can return for the second match. The medical team is monitoring the finger, with the time before that Test providing an opportunity for him to recover. No decision on his availability for the second game has been confirmed.

There was better news concerning Shan Masood, who has completed his recovery from a finger fracture. Masood suffered that injury after being struck on the hand during Pakistan’s previous Test series against the West Indies and is now available as the team prepares to face England.

The opening Test will therefore begin with Agha at the helm, while Pakistan wait for further progress on Babar’s injury. His absence removes the team’s established captain from the first match, but the possibility of a return for the second Test remains open.