Pakistan captain Babar Azam misses first England Test through injury

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test against England at Headingley after failing to recover from a right hand injury.

The prolific batter sustained the blow during a warm-up fixture at Beckenham last week, compounding an initial strike suffered against the West Indies in August.

Off-spinning all-rounder Salman Agha will step up to lead the side in the longest format for the first time.

Agha assumes leadership duties

Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed the leadership change on Tuesday, handing the reins to the 32-year-old who has captained the national T20 team since 2024.

Agha brings the experience of 27 Test appearances to the role as the tourists seek a positive start in Leeds.

Team management remain hopeful that their talismanic batsman will regain full fitness in time for the second Test at Lord’s next week.

Shakeel and Masood poised for return

The visitors are expected to welcome middle-order batter Saud Shakeel back into the starting XI following his absence during the recent Caribbean tour.

Former skipper Shan Masood is also primed to return from his own injury layoff to bolster the lineup.

Awais Zafar could retain his spot after making his international debut during the second Test in Trinidad last month.

Crucial points at stake

Both nations are desperate for a series victory as they languish near the foot of the World Test Championship standings.

The touring side currently sit second from bottom in the global table, just one position behind their English hosts.