Why is Babar Azam not playing 1st ENG vs PAK Test?
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Salman Ali Agha is leading Pakistan in the first ENG vs PAK Test in the absence of Babar Azam.
The three-match Test series between England and Pakistan kick-started with the 1st Test at Headingley in Leeds on August 19 (Wednesday).
It is an important series for both sides in the context of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27. These sides are placed in the second half of the WTC table, and their qualification to the final is very hard.
But to stay in contention, they need to win this Test series. Joe Root will start his second stint as England’s full-time Test captain. Ben Stokes has retired, and head coach Brendon McCullum has been sacked from his job in Test cricket.
Though the ECB named Stephen Fleming as the new Test coach, he won’t be available. Hence, Marcus Trescothick will be the interim coach for this series.
Pakistan are coming into this tour after drawing the Test series in the West Indies. But they will be without their captain, Babar Azam, in the first Test.
Why did Babar Azam miss the first ENG vs PAK Test?
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The PCB reappointed Babar Azam as Test captain ahead of the Test series in the West Indies. He had a pretty good series and avoided a series defeat. With the bat, Babar finished the series as the leading run-scorer.
He scored 193 runs in four innings at an average of 96.50. His absence will be a big blow to the visitors, who are looking for their first Test win in England since 2018. Babar got hit on his right hand while batting in the first innings of the warm-up game against County Cricket XI.
He was in pain and was forced to retire hurt. He didn’t take further part in that game. However, Babar practised in the nets on Monday, but the PCB confirmed his unavailability for the first Test on Tuesday.
The PCB said:
“Pakistan captain Babar Azam is unavailable for the first Test match,” head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed on the eve of the Test match. Salman Agha will be the captain for the first Test.”
Salman Ali Agha will lead Pakistan in the first Test in Leeds. This will mark Salman’s debut as captain in Tests. Pakistan have not won a Test series in England since 1996, and it will be important for them to get off to a winning start.
Who will lead Pakistan in the first Test against England in Leeds?
Salman Ali Agha will lead Pakistan in the first Test against England in Leeds.
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Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.