Injury sidelines Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha to captain Pakistan in Leeds opener

Pakistan will begin their three‑match Test series against England without regular skipper Babar Azam, who has been ruled out of the first Test at Headingley after failing to recover from a hand injury.

Red‑ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed on Tuesday that Babar would miss the series opener, handing the captaincy to all‑rounder Salman Ali Agha. The setback comes as Pakistan look to make a strong start against England in Leeds on Wednesday.

Babar sustained the injury during a practice match against a PCC Select XI last Thursday. Batting on five runs in the 39th over, he was struck on the hand by a delivery from fast bowler Manny Lumsden. The right‑hander immediately showed signs of discomfort, received treatment from medical staff, and retired hurt. Subsequent scans led the Pakistan Cricket Board to advise rest as a precaution.

While Babar’s absence is a blow, Pakistan received a boost with the return of former captain Shan Masood. Sarfaraz confirmed Masood has fully recovered from the fractured finger he suffered in the first Test against West Indies in Tarouba. Despite the injury, Masood had bravely returned to bat in the second innings, though not in his usual position. The fracture ruled him out of the second Test, but he is now fit and available for selection.

The leadership responsibility now falls to Salman Ali Agha, who will captain Pakistan for the first time in a Test match. His appointment reflects the team management’s confidence in his temperament and all‑round abilities. Salman has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket and has shown resilience in international appearances, though leading the side against England will be his sternest challenge yet.

Pakistan’s preparations have been disrupted by injuries in recent weeks, with Babar’s absence particularly significant given his role as the team’s premier batsman and leader. His record against England includes several match‑defining innings, and his absence leaves a gap in the batting order that others must fill.

England, meanwhile, enter the series buoyed by recent successes at home and will look to exploit Pakistan’s weakened top order. The Headingley pitch traditionally offers pace and bounce, making it a testing venue for visiting batters. Pakistan will rely on Shan Masood’s experience, alongside the likes of Imam‑ul‑Haq and Saud Shakeel, to steady the innings.

The series opener will also be a test of Pakistan’s bowling attack, which has often carried the team in challenging conditions. With Shaheen Shah Afridi leading the pace unit and spinners like Abrar Ahmed in contention, Pakistan will hope to compensate for the batting setback with disciplined bowling.

For Babar Azam, the focus will be on recovery, with hopes that he can return for the second Test. His absence in Leeds is a reminder of the physical demands of international cricket and the fine margins that can alter a series. For Salman Ali Agha, it is an unexpected opportunity to prove his leadership credentials on one of the sport’s biggest stages.