Pakistan vs England 1st Test: Live Score & Babar Azam Injury Explained
The first of three Tests between Pakistan and England gets underway today at Headingley, but the build-up has been overshadowed by an injury blow: captain Babar Azam has been ruled out just a day before the match. Follow the live score below, and here's the full story on the injury and who's leading the side in his place.
Live Score
Babar Azam's Injury, Explained
Babar Azam has been ruled out of the opening Test due to a right-hand injury centered on the middle finger, an issue he's been unable to shake off for weeks. Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed there's no fracture, but the finger hasn't settled enough for Babar to take his place in the XI at Headingley.
- Early AugustStruck on the middle finger while batting in the 2nd Test vs West Indies
- Aug 14-15 (Beckenham warm-up)Hit on the same hand again by a Manny Lumsden delivery in the 39th over; retired hurt on 5
- Aug 18Officially ruled out of the 1st Test at Headingley
- Aug 27 (2nd Test, Lord's)Possible return, pending recovery
Babar had only just been reappointed Pakistan's Test captain ahead of this tour, having led the side to a 1-1 drawn series in the West Indies. Missing the series opener through injury just weeks into his second stint as captain is a genuinely unfortunate turn for both player and team.
Who's Captaining Instead?
Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan's regular T20I captain, takes over Test captaincy duties for the first time in his career for this match. It's a notable opportunity for Agha, thrust into the role in only his first Test as skipper, against an England side captained by Joe Root in his own recently reclaimed leadership position.
Shan Masood, the man Babar replaced as Test captain, also returns to the top order for this match, having fully recovered from a separate finger injury of his own. Pakistan's batting lineup now features two players who've each captained the Test side within the past year, playing under a third.
Will Babar Play the 2nd Test?
Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed expressed hope that the pain will subside enough for Babar to return for the second Test at Lord's, starting August 27. Nothing is confirmed yet, and Pakistan's medical staff will need to assess the finger again closer to that date before making a final call.
Full Series Context
This is the first of a three-match series; for the complete schedule and both full squads, see our Pakistan vs England Test series overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Babar Azam not playing the 1st Test?
A right-hand finger injury, originally sustained batting against the West Indies and aggravated again in a warm-up match against a PCC Select XI in Beckenham.
Is Babar Azam's finger broken?
No. Pakistan's head coach confirmed there's no fracture, though the pain hasn't cleared enough for him to play.
Who is captaining Pakistan instead of Babar Azam?
Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan's T20I captain, leading the Test side for the first time.
Will Babar Azam play the 2nd Test?
Possibly. His coach has expressed hope he'll be fit for the Lord's Test on August 27, but nothing is confirmed.
Where can I follow the live score?
Use the live widget on this page, which updates automatically once play begins.