ENG vs PAK 1st Test: Babar Azam may not be taking part in Pakistan’s first Test against England at Headingley, but the star batter still made an appearance before the match that caught the attention of Sky Sports broadcasters Nasser Hussain and Ian Ward. Babar was spotted in a blazer during the pre-match proceedings, leading to some initial confusion over whether Pakistan’s regular Test captain had somehow been included in the playing XI. However, the reason was straightforward: Babar was present for the trophy photo shoot as Pakistan’s regular Test captain, while Salman Ali Agha took charge of the team in his absence.
Why Did Babar Azam Come Out in a Blazer If He Is Not Playing?
Babar was ruled out of the Headingley Test after suffering a finger injury during Pakistan’s warm-up game against the Professional County Club Select XI at Beckenham. He was batting on five when a delivery struck his right hand, forcing him to retire hurt. The injury ultimately kept him out of the opening Test, with Salman Agha handed the captaincy at short notice.
Therefore, Babar’s appearance in a blazer was not an indication that he was returning to the XI. He was simply carrying out his role as Pakistan’s regular Test captain during the official pre-match trophy photo shoot.
Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton get confused after seeing Babar Azam with his blazer on 😅 pic.twitter.com/aEu1ituVBI
— Danish (@PctDanish) August 19, 2026
BABAR AZAM & JOE ROOT IN THE TROPHY PHOTOSHOOT. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Vi3mONsAOx
— Salman. (@TsMeSalman1_) August 19, 2026
Toss Update and Playing XIs
England won the toss and opted to field first at Headingley. Joe Root, returning as England Test captain, said the overhead conditions and moisture on the surface encouraged him to bowl first. Salman Agha revealed that Pakistan would also have preferred to bat first.
Salman said Babar’s absence was confirmed only at the last minute, calling it “very unfortunate”, while insisting Pakistan are well prepared after their recent red-ball preparations.
Pakistan Playing XI: Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha (c), Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Abbas.
England Playing XI: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (c), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wk), Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.
The Test is also a major opportunity for Pakistan, who last won a Test in England in 2018. Their three previous series victories in England came in 1987, 1992 and 1996, while England have won their last six Tests at Headingley.
A classy moment: Babar Azam with England players. 🤝#ENGvPAK #cricket #babarazampic.twitter.com/BOOqTvhwh2
— Horizon Wire (@HorizonWireHW) August 19, 2026
For now, Babar’s blazer appearance has provided an unusual talking point before the action gets fully underway but Pakistan will hope his presence around the squad can inspire Salman Agha’s side in his absence.
