LEEDS: Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test against England due to injury, with Salman Ali Agha set to lead the side in his absence.
Pakistan red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed Babar’s unavailability during a press conference in Leeds, saying the team’s medical staff was assessing his injury.
“We hope Babar will be available for the second Test,” Sarfaraz said.
The coach said Pakistan’s confidence had received a boost after winning the practice match and expressed optimism that the team would perform well in the opening Test.
Pakistan yet to finalize playing combination
Sarfaraz said the team management was still considering the best combination for the first Test. He identified fast bowler Mohammad Abbas as an important player in the English conditions.
He also confirmed that Shan Masood was fully fit and available for the match, adding that all players had worked hard in preparation for the series.
Sarfaraz said Babar remained in good form despite missing the opening Test, while Saud Shakeel and other batters had also been performing well.
“Losing an important player is a setback, but we have confidence in all our players,” Sarfaraz said.
He added that Babar’s presence would have allowed the team to consider different combinations, but Pakistan would now focus on making the best use of the available players.