LAHORE - Pakistan have suffered a major setback ahead of the opening Test against England, with captain Babar Azam ruled out of the series opener at Headingley today (Wednesday) after failing to recover fully from a hand injury.
All-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been appointed stand-in captain for the first Test, while Pakistan remain hopeful that Babar will regain fitness in time for the second match at Lord’s, scheduled for August 27. Pakistan head coach Sarfraz Ahmed confirmed the development during the pre-match press conference in Leeds, saying the medical team was continuing to monitor Babar, who was experiencing increased pain in the injured finger. “Babar is unavailable for the first Test. Hopefully, he will be available for the second Test. We still have seven or eight days to work on his recovery,” Sarfraz said.
The 31-year-old batter suffered the injury during Pakistan’s practice match against a PCC Select XI in Beckenham last week. He was struck on the hand by a delivery from fast bowler Manny Lumsden while batting and, after receiving treatment from the medical staff, retired from the innings. The blow was particularly concerning because Babar had been hit on the same hand during Pakistan’s recent Test series against the West Indies. However, Sarfraz clarified that the batter had not suffered a fracture and that the problem was primarily swelling and pain.
Babar’s absence is a significant blow to Pakistan’s batting plans, particularly after he played a key role in the team’s recent away Test success. Sarfraz acknowledged that the captain’s unavailability would force the management to reassess its combination according to the conditions at Headingley.
Despite the setback, the coach expressed confidence in the squad, saying the team had gained valuable confidence from its practice match in Kent. He also backed the middle order, particularly Saud Shakeel, who scored a century during the tour. Sarfraz also placed faith in experienced pacer Mohammad Abbas, saying his knowledge of English conditions and experience playing league cricket in the country could make him one of Pakistan’s key bowlers.
Meanwhile, former captain Shan Masood has recovered from his finger injury and is available for selection. Sarfraz also backed senior players Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha to deliver, expressing hope that the additional responsibility of captaincy would bring out the best in Salman. With Babar sidelined, Pakistan will now look to their experienced campaigners and emerging players to rise to the occasion as they begin a challenging three-Test series against England.
Azhar Khan is an accomplished senior sports journalist with extensive experience in the field. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @azharmasood786
Azhar Khan is an accomplished senior sports journalist with extensive experience in the field. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @azharmasood786