Babar Azam Fit, Mitchell Starc On Top And Siraj Injury- August 26 Cricket Highlights

Babar Azam and Mohammed Siraj (Source: AFP)Babar Azam has been declared fit for the second Test against England. Mitchell Starc has become the new number one ranked bowler. In other news, Mohammed Siraj suffered an injury scare against Sri Lanka.Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Wednesday, August 26. Babar Azam declared fit for second Test vs EnglandPakistan captain Babar Azam is set to make his return to the playing XI for the upcoming second Test against England at Lord’s in London. The legendary batter sustained a finger injury which prompted him to miss the series-opener at Headingley in Leeds last week. Also Read- Breaking The Myth- Babar Azam's Reality, A Dream Or Hallucination For Pakistan?While speaking with the reporters, the cricketer said that he is 90 percent fit and recently had a couple of training sessions in the nets alongside his teammates.Mitchell Starc becomes number one ranked in TestsMitchell Starc has become the new number one ranked bowler in ICC Test rankings. The legendary Australian speedster achieved the feat for the first time in his career, at an age of 36 no less.Starc dethroned Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah from the top of the ranking after taking 10 wickets in a match-winning cause for Australia at MacKay against Bangladesh a few days ago.Dean Elgar to retire from professional cricketFormer South Africa captain Dean Elgar has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 39-year-old will be bowing out of the game at the end of the ongoing 2026 County Championship in England.Elgar retired from international cricket for South Africa a couple of years ago. The cricketer has so far played 279 first-class matches, including 86 Tests since making his first-class debut way back in February 2006.Afghanistan Premier League 2027 to start from December 27The relaunched Afghanistan Premier League will launch from December 27 onwards later this year. It is set to coincide with the BBL 2026-27 as well as with South Africa’s SA20.The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced the identity of three franchises, namely Axcel United Kabul, Balkh Zwanan and Kandahar Warriors. The ACB is yet to determine the venues of the upcoming inaugural edition of the tournament. The unveiling ceremony, however, took place in Dubai this week.Injury scare for Mohammed Siraj on Day 4 vs Sri LankaIndian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj had an injury scare on the field while facing Sri Lanka on Day 4 of the series-deciding second Test match in Colombo. The incident occurred during the 11th over of Sri Lanka’s second innings, when Pasindu Sooriyabandara attempted a slog sweep off Manav Suthar.Siraj landed heavily on the ground while trying to complete a catch and was forced off the field for a while. Fortunately, he later returned and resumed play for India.Also Read- Oldest Players To Take Maiden Test Wicket For India ft. Saransh Jain