Pakistan captain Babar Azam will miss the first Test against England, starting Wednesday at Headingley in Leeds, after failing to recover from a right-hand injury. Salman Ali Agha will captain Pakistan in his absence.
Why is Babar Azam missing the first Test against England?
Babar Azam has been ruled out after continuing to experience pain in his right hand. The injury occurred during Pakistan’s warm-up game against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham, after he had also been struck on the same hand during the second Test against the West Indies earlier this month.
Who will captain Pakistan in Babar's absence?
Salman Ali Agha will take charge of Pakistan for the first Test against England in Babar’s absence.
Pakistan coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed the change, with Agha set to lead the Test side for the first time. He has, however, established himself as part of Pakistan’s leadership group over recent years.
Will he play the second Test?
Babar’s absence is currently limited to the first Test, with Sarfaraz hopeful that the Pakistan captain can recover in time for the second match.
“The medical team is assessing Babar. He has quite a bit of pain in the finger,” Sarfaraz said.
The coach also confirmed that there is no fracture in the middle finger of Babar’s right hand. With several days remaining before the second Test, Pakistan will hope he can recover in time.
Is Shan Masood available for Pakistan?
Shan Masood has recovered from a finger fracture of his own and is available for selection for the first Test.
Masood was struck on the hand by Jayden Seales during the first Test against the West Indies. He subsequently missed the second Test and was also absent from Pakistan’s warm-up game in Beckenham.
Comments
See what people are discussing