Babar Azam - (Source: AFP)
On Wednesday, August 19, Pakistan and England will square off for the first of three Test matches at Headingley, Leeds. The visitors are already without their regular skipper Babar Azam, who was ruled out of the opening Test due to injury.
For the unversed, Babar Azam got hit on a finger during a practice match against Professional County Club Select XI. On Tuesday, August 18, the PCB issued a press release confirming Babar’s absence from the 1st Test and stated that Salman Ali Agha will lead the side for the 1st Test.
It is a massive blow for Pakistan because not only will they miss their regular skipper but also a star batter. Therefore, this article will shed light on the last time Pakistan played a Test without Babar.
Pakistan’s Last Test Match Without Babar Azam
The last time Pakistan played a Test without Babar Azam was back in 2024 when England toured the subcontinent nation in 2024. Notably, Babar was going through a rough patch back then and was dropped from the Test setup right after the 1st Test.
Talking about the three-match Test series, the right-handed batter played the 1st Test and scored just 35 runs across two innings. Eventually, the PCB took a harsh decision and dropped Babar Azam for the rest of the two matches.
Also Read: Babar Azam's Test Record In England: Why Is His Injury A Big Blow For Pakistan?
Hence, Babar Azam didn’t play the 2nd and 3rd Test of that series. Interestingly, Pakistan made a terrific comeback in the series and won the remaining two matches to win the three-match Test series in Babar’s absence.
Babar Azam was replaced by Kamran Ghulam, who made his debut in the 2nd Test against England. Now, technically, the 3rd Test against England was the last match that Pakistan played without their star batter.
Pakistan Go Past England In A Thrashing Win
Talking about the 3rd Test, England, batting first, were bundled for 267 runs on the board. The spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan were on point and picked up 9 wickets combined. In reply, Pakistan took a comprehensive lead and scored 344 runs.
Saud Shakeel slammed a century, but Babar’s replacement, Kamran Ghulam, scored just 3 runs in the first innings. England, batting for the second time, collapsed for 112 runs on the board, requiring Pakistan to chase down just 36 runs.
Sajid Khan and Noman Ali picked all 10 wickets combined, and in reply, Pakistan won the target with 9 wickets in hand.
Babar Azam Returned For South Africa Tests
Babar’s absence from Test cricket extended for just two matches, and he was brought back into the Test set-up for the South Africa series. Since then, Babar Azam has played every Test for Pakistan, and it will be the first red-ball match he will miss in the last two years.
Also, the 31-year-old has an impressive record in England. The right-handed batter has played just 4 matches but has scored 263 runs, averaging 65.75. Notably, Babar has the best Test average in England compared to any other country.
In England, the right-handed batter has three fifty-plus scores but is still searching for his maiden Test hundred.
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