Pakistan's build-up to the England tour has hit a snag even before a ball is bowled in the series. Captain Babar Azam is now in doubt for the opening Test of the three-match series starting August 19, after suffering a right-hand injury that has cast serious doubt over his availability for the Headingley opener.
How Babar Azam got injured
Babar Azam was batting in a tour match against a professional county club's Select XI on Saturday when a delivery from fast bowler Manny Lumsden struck him on the right hand. He walked off as a precaution after scoring just 5 runs. The pain has persisted since, and Babar has only managed light throw-down sessions instead of full net practice, raising fresh concerns about his fitness ahead of the opener.
A source said, "Babar has complained of pain in his hand." According to the source, that makes it highly unlikely he will take the field on Wednesday for the first Test.
Who will captain the side in his absence
With Babar sidelined, the captaincy could go to either Shan Masood or Salman Agha, though the final call rests with Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Salman Agha currently leads Pakistan's T20 side but has no experience captaining in the longer format of the game. That is why the team management is seen as more likely to hand the responsibility to Shan Masood.
Pakistan's poor history at Headingley
History at Headingley offers Pakistan little comfort. Of the 10 Test matches Pakistan has played against England at this venue, it has won just one and lost six. Pakistan also played one Test against Australia at this ground, which it won back in 2010.
England, by contrast, are in red-hot form at Headingley, having won their last six Test matches at the venue. Their last defeat there came against West Indies back in 2017. Both history and current form put the hosts in a far stronger position heading into the series.
A bigger challenge for Pakistan
The injury to their captain leaves Pakistan's team management juggling not just the captaincy question but also the balance of their batting order, coming as it does right before the series gets underway. England, meanwhile, will be eager to open the series with a win, backed by their commanding record on home turf at Headingley.
