Babar Azam Ruled Out of England Test; Salman Leads Pakistan

Babar Azam is Pakistan’s cricket captain and one of its main batters.

He could not play against England because he hurt the middle finger on his right hand.

He was hit on that hand during a warm-up match in Beckenham.

The same hand had also been hurt against the West Indies.

Babar practiced batting before the match, but Pakistan’s team management did not want to risk making the injury worse.

He still appeared at the toss wearing Pakistan’s team blazer for a trophy photograph.

Salman Ali Agha became Pakistan’s captain for the first time in a Test match.

Pakistan hoped Babar would recover for the second Test, depending on his fitness.