Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test against England at Headingley due to a right-hand injury, meaning he will miss the series opener.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The injury was sustained in Pakistan’s warm-up against a Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham. He scored five runs before a rising delivery hit his bottom hand, forcing him to leave the practice match without batting again.
Babar later returned to training, but Pakistan confirmed on August 18 that he would miss the first Test. Salman Ali Agha has been named stand-in captain for the series opener in Leeds. The decision comes as a major blow for Pakistan, which recently reinstated Babar as Test captain.
Babar Azam Injury Update Before England Test
The injury concern began in Pakistan’s three-day warm-up fixture in Beckenham. Babar was hit on his right hand by a rising delivery from Manny Lumsden and did not return to the crease after the incident.
The injury was a worry, especially because Babar had a similar problem with the same hand during Pakistan’s recent tour of the West Indies. The Pakistan medical team therefore remained cautious and kept a close eye on his condition.
Babar did return to the nets and completed batting practice, which initially raised hopes that he could be fit for the England series. However, the latest assessment revealed that he was not ready for the rigours of the first Test.
The ICC confirmed on August 18 that Babar had been ruled out of the Leeds Test, while Pakistan named Salman Ali Agha as stand-in captain. Babar was still experiencing pain and was being assessed by the medical staff, with hopes that he could return for the second Test, Reuters reported.
Why Is Babar Azam Not Playing the First Test?
Babar’s absence is directly linked to the right-hand injury he suffered during the warm-up match.
The timing makes the setback especially frustrating for Pakistan. Babar had recently been part of the team that drew the Test series 1-1 against the West Indies. He made 88 in the second Test and was 24 not out when Pakistan won by eight wickets in Port of Spain.
It was Pakistan’s first overseas Test win in more than three years and also saw Babar re-enter the top 10 of the ICC Test batting rankings.
Pakistan will now begin their England campaign without one of their most experienced batters and their regular Test captain.
Will Babar Azam Play the Second Test Against England?
Babar has been ruled out of the first Test, but there is no confirmation yet about his availability for the rest of the series.
Pakistan’s medical staff are monitoring Babar, and there is hope that he might return for the second Test if his recovery progresses well, Reuters reported.
For now, Pakistan’s focus is on avoiding any worsening of the hand injury. His return will depend on his recovery and medical clearance, not simply on whether he can take part in a brief net session.
The second Test starts at Lord’s on August 27, giving Babar several days to recover after the Headingley Test.
Who Will Lead Pakistan Against England?
Pakistan will be captained by Salman Ali Agha in the first Test at Headingley.
The all-rounder has been appointed stand-in captain in Babar’s absence. It will be his first Test as Pakistan’s captain, although he has led the side in white-ball cricket before.
His appointment means Pakistan does not need to make a separate leadership decision for the opening Test. The immediate challenge is to maintain stability while the batting order is reshuffled without Babar.
Shan Masood remains an important senior figure in the squad and has also returned to training after recovering from a finger injury he sustained against the West Indies. However, the decision for the Leeds Test is clear: Salman Ali Agha will lead Pakistan.
Who Will Replace Babar Azam in Pakistan’s XI?
With Babar absent, Pakistan have a few options in the batting order.
The squad has experienced batters in the form of Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood, while Salman Ali Agha can also contribute with the bat. The final combination will come down to Pakistan’s need to balance the top and middle order for Headingley.
There is no direct substitute for everything Babar offers. A player with his batting experience and leadership qualities combines both roles, so Pakistan will need to compensate for those responsibilities individually.
What will please the selectors is that there are enough established players in the 17-member squad to pick a competitive XI without wholesale changes.
Pakistan vs England Test Series Timetable
Pakistan and England will meet in three Tests in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
| Test | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| First Test | Headingley, Leeds | August 19–23 |
| Second Test | Lord’s, London | August 27–31 |
| Third Test | Edgbaston, Birmingham | September 9–13 |
The series kicks off at Headingley on August 19, with Pakistan entering the contest on the back of their encouraging win over the West Indies. The ICC confirmed the schedule ahead of the series.
How Babar Azam’s Absence Affects Pakistan
Babar’s absence is notable as Pakistan have only just reinstated him as Test captain.
He skippered Pakistan in the West Indies series and played a major part in the team’s eight-wicket win in the second Test. His return to form was also reflected in the latest ICC rankings, as he re-entered the top 10 in Test batting.
Without him, Pakistan will be missing an experienced middle-order batter on a ground where the new ball can offer some help to England’s seamers.
The absence also raises the stakes for players such as Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood. Salman Ali Agha will have the additional responsibility of leading the side while contributing with the bat.
England Series Preparation for Pakistan
Pakistan are in England after a 1-1 draw in their two-Test series against the West Indies.
The second Test was especially crucial. Pakistan ended a run of more than three years without an overseas Test victory with an eight-wicket win in Port of Spain. Babar played a big part in that result, scoring 88 in the first innings and an unbeaten 24 in the chase.
Another injury concern has also affected the squad. Shan Masood, who broke a finger in the first Test against West Indies, was back in England for training and batted in the nets under the supervision of the medical team.
Pakistan will therefore have to balance experience with fitness as they start a demanding three-match series away from home.
Pakistan vs England: Players and Battles to Watch
Babar’s absence alters one of the headline contests, but there remain a handful of big battles in the series.
Maiden Test as Captain for Salman Ali Agha
Salman Ali Agha faces a big challenge in Leeds. He is charged with leading Pakistan in Test cricket for the first time, while also carrying responsibility in the batting order.
England’s bowlers will be looking to attack Pakistan’s top order, and his leadership will be vital in the early sessions.
Mohammad Abbas vs England’s Top Order
Mohammad Abbas could be one of the key men for Pakistan in English conditions.
He can be very effective when the ball is assisting because he can maintain a disciplined line and generate movement. He could be crucial in the contest against England’s top order, including the likes of Joe Root and Harry Brook.
Joe Root Reinstated as England Test Captain
England, too, comes into the series with a changed leadership set-up.
Joe Root has been reinstated as England’s Test captain after Ben Stokes’ Test retirement. Root’s first assignment as captain is the three-Test series against Pakistan, with Marcus Trescothick taking on the interim head coach duties before Stephen Fleming takes over later in the year.
England have named a squad including Root, Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue for the first two Tests. Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell will miss the series due to a right-knee injury.
Implications of Babar Azam’s Absence for Pakistan
The loss of Babar for the first Test is a huge blow, but it does not automatically alter Pakistan’s prospects for the whole series.
The first task is to replace an experienced batter and, at the same time, adjust to a new captain. Salman Ali Agha now has to lead the side while Pakistan’s senior batters shoulder greater responsibility.
The bigger question is whether Babar can recover in time for the second Test at Lord’s.
Pakistan must now concentrate on Headingley without its regular captain for the time being. There is enough experience in the team to keep it competitive, but Babar’s absence makes the first Test a lot tougher.
Babar Azam Fitness Update: Current Status
| Key Question | Latest Position |
|---|---|
| Injury | Right-hand injury |
| How it happened | Struck by a rising delivery in warm-up |
| First Test | Ruled out |
| First Test venue | Headingley, Leeds |
| Stand-in captain | Salman Ali Agha |
| Returned to training? | Yes |
| Second Test availability | Yet to be confirmed |
| Second Test | August 27–31, Lord’s |
| Series | Pakistan vs England |
| WTC cycle | ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 |
Pakistan’s official announcement and the latest ICC update confirm that Salman Ali Agha will lead the side in the first Test as Babar remains unavailable with his hand injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Babar Azam fit for the First England Test?
No. Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test against England with the right-hand injury he sustained during Pakistan’s warm-up match.
Will Babar Azam play in the Second Test?
He is not yet confirmed to be available for the second Test. Medical staff are monitoring his recovery, and his return could depend on how quickly the hand responds to treatment.
Who is Pakistan’s captain against England?
Salman Ali Agha will captain Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley as stand-in captain. This will be his first Test as Pakistan captain.
What happened to Babar Azam’s hand?
In a warm-up match against a Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham, Babar was struck on his right hand by a rising delivery. He did not go on to bat in the practice game.
When does Pakistan vs England first Test start?
The first Test starts on August 19, 2026, at Headingley, Leeds, and ends on August 23. The second Test is scheduled for August 27–31 at Lord’s, while the third Test is scheduled for September 9–13 at Edgbaston.
Who can step in for Babar Azam in Pakistan’s batting order?
Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood give Pakistan several options. The final XI will determine how the team reshuffles its batting order in Babar’s absence.
Last Words
The question mark over Babar Azam’s availability after the injury sustained during the warm-up has been removed with the news that he will not feature in Pakistan’s opening Test against England at Headingley.
His absence means Pakistan will be without their regular captain and one of their most experienced Test batters. Salman Ali Agha will now take charge of the side, while the rest of the Pakistan batting order will have to take more responsibility.
The focus will then turn to Babar’s recovery and whether he can play in the second Test at Lord’s. Until then, Pakistan will have to start their England campaign without their star batter and captain.
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Babar Azam Biography
Sources:
ICC — Babar gets precautionary rest ahead of England Tests · PCB — Pakistan Test squads announced for West Indies and England tours · ICC — England unveil squad for first two Tests against Pakistan