LEEDS: Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test against England due to an injury, with Salman Ali Agha set to lead the team in his absence.

Pakistan Red Ball team head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said during a press conference in Leeds that Babar would not be available for the opening Test. He added that the medical team was assessing the batter’s injury and expressed hope that Babar would recover in time for the second Test.

Sarfaraz said Pakistan’s victory in the practice match had boosted the team’s confidence ahead of the series.

“We will decide which combination to play with,” Sarfaraz said, adding that Mohammad Abbas could be an important bowler for Pakistan in the English conditions.

He confirmed that Shan Masood is fully fit and available for the first Test, while the rest of the squad has also worked hard in preparation for the series.

Speaking about Babar’s absence, Sarfaraz said the star batter is in good form despite missing the opening match. He also praised Saud Shakeel and the other batters, expressing confidence that Pakistan’s middle order would perform well.

Sarfaraz acknowledged that Pakistan would have considered different combinations had Babar been available, but said the team remained confident despite the setback.

“Whenever you lose an important player, it is a setback, but all the players are confident,” he said.