Pakistan suffer major blow as captain Babar ruled out of 1st Test vs England

Pakistani cricket team is facing a major setback ahead of their upcoming first Test against England. Newly appointed captain Babar Azam is unable to play the Test due to a finger injury. The injury occurred while Babar was batting against the West Indies, and he further aggravated the injury during a warm-up game in Beckenham. Babar's finger is not broken, but Pakistan's coach Sarfaraz Ahmed hopes that the pain will subside in time for the second Test at Lord's, which starts on August 27.

Salman Agha will take over as captain for the first Test, marking his first experience in leading Pakistan in a Test match. He will be replacing Babar, who had recently returned as captain and was Pakistan's leading run-scorer against the West Indies. Shan Masood, who was replaced by Babar as captain, is also returning to the team.

Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed expressed confidence in the team's practice match, stating that they covered all necessary bases with their batting and bowling. He believes that Pakistan will perform well in the series. On the other hand, England begins the series with a new leadership setup. Joe Root returns as captain after Ben Stokes' retirement, while Brendon McCullum has left his coaching role. Marcus Trescothick takes interim charge as new coach Stephen Fleming misses the series.

Root, who previously captained England from 2017 to 2022, is confident about his experience and readiness for another stint as captain. He expressed his full trust in his teammates, including vice-captain Harry Brook. Root is confident in their ability to support him and perform well in the series against Pakistan.