Pakistan lose captain Babar Azam for series opener

Pakistan have suffered a major setback before the first Test against England, with newly reappointed captain Babar Azam ruled out because of a right middle-finger injury.

Babar first injured the middle finger of his right hand while batting against the West Indies and aggravated the problem during a warm-up match in Beckenham. Pakistan coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed that the finger is not broken, but said the batter would be unavailable for the opening Test.

“Pakistan captain Babar Azam is unavailable for the first test match,” Sarfaraz Ahmed said. “Salman Agha will be the captain for the first test.”

Salman Agha will captain Pakistan in a Test for the first time, having previously led the team in T20 cricket. The team hopes Babar’s pain will settle in time for the second Test at Lord’s, which begins on August 27.

Babar’s absence is a significant blow after he returned to the captaincy and emerged as Pakistan’s leading run-scorer against the West Indies. Shan Masood, who was replaced by Babar as captain, is also set to return after recovering from a broken finger.

Despite the leadership disruption, Ahmed said Pakistan’s warm-up match had strengthened the team’s preparations.

“Our practice match gave us a lot of confidence,” Ahmed said. “Whatever bases we needed to cover with bat and ball, we did. We believe we'll do very well here.”

Root returns to lead England

England will also begin the series with a changed leadership and coaching structure. Joe Root returns as captain following Ben Stokes’ retirement, while Brendon McCullum has departed as coach. Marcus Trescothick will take interim charge because new head coach Stephen Fleming is unavailable for the series.

Root previously led England from 2017 to 2022 and said his experience had prepared him for another spell as captain.

“I feel as ready as any other England captain that's ever been before,” Root said. “To have that amount of experience is invaluable.”

Harry Brook remains England’s vice-captain, and Root said he was confident of Brook’s support as England begin a new era.

“I fully feel he's got my back like the rest of the guys do,” Root said.