Pakistan Begin England Test Series Without Babar

News Desk

Leeds: Pakistan’s three-match Test series against England begins at Headingley on Wednesday, but the opening contest will carry an added leadership storyline after Salman Ali Agha was handed the responsibility of captaining the side in the absence of Babar Azam.

Babar’s injury during Pakistan’s three-day warm-up game has ruled him out of the Leeds Test, leaving Salman to become the 36th player to lead Pakistan in Test cricket. The setback comes just as Pakistan look to build on their recent momentum following an eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in Port of Spain.

For Salman, the assignment marks a significant step in a Test career that began in July 2022. The all-rounder has already captained Pakistan in two ODIs and 50 T20Is, but leading the national side in the longest format presents a different challenge, particularly against an England team playing at home.

Pakistan enter the series with encouraging signs from their preparations. After arriving in London on August 8, the squad trained at the Kent County Ground in Beckenham before defeating a Professional County Cricketers Select XI by seven wickets. Saud Shakeel’s unbeaten century proved decisive in the 262-run chase, while Abdullah Shafique’s recent batting form has also strengthened Pakistan’s confidence.

The visitors could also welcome Shan Masood back into the Test XI after he missed the second Test against the West Indies. His experience could prove valuable in an opening match where Pakistan will have to cope with the loss of their regular captain and one of their key batters.

Pakistan’s red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said the team was satisfied with its preparations and confident in Salman’s ability to handle the responsibility.

“Salman is one of those players who start feeling confident after getting the leadership,” Sarfaraz said, adding that the team hoped Babar would recover in time for the second Test.

The series also offers Pakistan an opportunity to continue its recent success against England. Pakistan won the most recent Test series between the sides, securing a 2-1 victory at home, although England had won the 2020 series in England and the 2022 series in Pakistan.

History, however, gives the visitors reason for optimism. Pakistan have enjoyed notable success on English soil, including Test victories at Lord’s, The Oval, Leeds and Manchester. Their most recent win at Leeds came in 1987, while they last defeated England at Lord’s in 2018.

Overall, Pakistan have won 23 of their 92 Tests against England, with 39 matches ending in draws. The two sides first met in Test cricket in 1954, when Pakistan recorded a 24-run victory at The Oval.

With the first Test starting at 3pm Pakistan time, attention will be firmly on Headingley, not only to see how Pakistan handle England’s home conditions, but also to find out whether Salman can turn an unexpected leadership opportunity into a defining moment of his Test career.

Test series schedule

First Test: August 19–23, Leeds

Second Test: August 27–31, Lord’s

Third Test: September 9–13, Birmingham