LEEDS -UNS : Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test against England due to a hand injury, with Salman Ali Agha appointed to lead the national side in his absence.
Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed that Salman Ali Agha will captain Pakistan in the opening Test, while Shan Masood has also been declared fully fit and available for the match.
Babar sustained the injury while batting on the second day of a three-day practice match for Kent County Cricket Club.
The Pakistan batter was struck on his right hand by a delivery.Following an examination by the team doctor and as a precautionary measure, Babar was advised to rest for the remainder of the practice match.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board, Babar was scheduled to participate in Pakistan’s training session at Headingley Cricket Ground on August 17.His absence will be a significant blow for Pakistan ahead of the opening Test, while Salman Ali Agha will take charge of the team for the crucial contest.
