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The ENG vs PAK 1st Test at Headingley, Leeds, has started with a major setback for Pakistan as their newly appointed Test captain Babar Azam is unavailable for the series opener. Babar’s absence has attracted significant attention, particularly because Pakistan are facing England in an important ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 fixture.

Why Is Babar Azam Not Playing the 1st Test?

Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test between England and Pakistan because of a right-hand injury. The batter was struck on the middle finger of his right hand during Pakistan’s Test series against the West Indies earlier this month.

His injury was aggravated during Pakistan’s warm-up match against a Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham. Babar was hit again while batting and subsequently left the practice game after receiving medical attention. The Pakistan Cricket Board later confirmed that he would miss the remainder of the warm-up match as a precaution.

Although Babar returned to training ahead of the Leeds Test, he did not recover sufficiently to be considered fit for the opening match. Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed that Babar would not play, while also indicating that the finger was not broken and that the batter could potentially return for the second Test at Lord’s.

Who Is Captaining Pakistan Against England?

With Babar Azam unavailable, Salman Ali Agha has been appointed Pakistan’s captain for the first Test. It will be his first time leading Pakistan in a Test match.

The change comes at an important moment for Pakistan. Babar had only recently returned as Test captain after replacing Shan Masood, making his absence particularly significant for a team trying to establish consistency in red-ball cricket.

Salman will also have the responsibility of leading Pakistan in challenging English conditions, where the visitors need a strong start to the three-match series.

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Will Babar Azam Play the 2nd Test?

There is still hope that Babar could return for the second ENG vs PAK Test at Lord’s, which is scheduled to begin on August 27. Pakistan’s management has indicated that his injury is being monitored and that his availability will depend on his recovery and medical assessment.

For now, Pakistan will have to manage without one of their most experienced Test batters. Babar has scored nine Test centuries in 64 matches, making his absence a major blow to Pakistan’s batting lineup.

ENG vs PAK: A Major Challenge for Pakistan

Babar Azam’s absence makes the ENG vs PAK 1st Test even more challenging for Pakistan. With England playing at home and Joe Root beginning another stint as Test captain, Pakistan will need significant contributions from its remaining senior players.

The visitors will hope Babar recovers in time for Lord’s, but for the Leeds Test, Salman Agha and Pakistan’s batting unit must step up in the former captain’s absence.

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