The Pakistan cricket team has suffered a major setback ahead of the first Test against England. Star batsman and captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the match due to a finger injury. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha will lead the team in Babar’s absence.
PAK vs ENG: Babar Azam ruled out of first Test due to injury, Salman Ali Agha to captain.
Injury and the new equation of captaincy
Babar Azam, who has been in excellent batting form in recent matches, was injured during a practice session. Doctors have advised him to rest due to a swollen finger. However, according to team management, his finger is not fractured and he is expected to be fit for the second Test.
The PCB has appointed Salman Ali Agha as the new captain for the upcoming match. Salman has previous captaincy experience in limited-overs formats, but this will be his first time leading the national team in Test cricket. Salman has been chosen over veteran batsman Shan Masood.
Team management statement
“Babar Azam is not fully fit for the first match. He has a swollen finger, not a fracture. He has been given a break for safety reasons. Salman Ali Agha will captain the team in the first Test.”
— Team Management Spokesperson, Pakistan Cricket Board
Who will replace Babar on the field?
In Babar Azam’s absence, Saud Shakeel is likely to be included in the middle order. Shakeel has scored 1802 runs in 23 Test matches at an average of 43.95, including four centuries and 10 half-centuries. His inclusion is expected to bolster the Pakistani middle order.