Babar Azam Set to Miss First Test Against England Due to Hand Injury

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is likely to miss the first Test against England in Leeds after suffering a hand injury during a tour match. Babar was hit on his right hand by a delivery from pacer Manny Lumsden while batting against a Professional County Club Select XI on Saturday.

He retired hurt after scoring five runs and has since only faced throwdowns, without batting in the nets. His absence could force Pakistan to appoint a new captain for the series opener, with Shan Masood and Salman Agha among the leading candidates. Masood is considered the more likely choice given Agha’s lack of Test captaincy experience.

Pakistan face a difficult task at Headingley, having won just one of their previous 10 Tests against England, while England have won their last six Tests at the venue.