Salman Ali Agha will lead Pakistan in Babar’s absence. Pakistan have suffered a major blow ahead of the first Test against England, with captain Babar Azam ruled out of the series opener at Headingley due to a right-hand injury.
The Pakistan captain did return to the nets at Headingley on Monday and batted briefly, but he has not recovered sufficiently to feature in the opening Test. Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed the development on Tuesday. Babar’s absence comes after he was struck on his right hand while batting during Pakistan’s warm-up match against a Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham. The coach also indicated that Babar could potentially return for the second Test, saying the injury is not a fracture and that there is some swelling on the finger. With Babar unavailable, Salman Ali Agha will take charge of the Pakistan side for the Headingley Test. The first Test will also mark a significant leadership opportunity for Salman as Pakistan begin their three-match series against England. Pakistan will be hoping Babar’s recovery progresses well enough for him to return for the second Test, while Salman Agha faces the immediate task of leading the side in a challenging series opener.
The first Test of the three-match series is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, August 19, in Leeds. Babar was hit by England Under-19 pacer Manny Lumsden during the warm-up game and retired hurt as a precaution. The remaining Tests are scheduled to be played at Lord’s from August 27 and Edgbaston from September 9.
“Babar Azam is not available, Salman will be captain for the first Test,” Sarfaraz said, according to reports.
The injury is to the same hand that he had previously hurt during Pakistan’s recent Test series against the West Indies.
