Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test against England, which is set to begin at Headingley. Azam sustained a blow to his right hand during a warm-up game last week and was also struck during the second Test against the West Indies earlier in August.
Off-spinning all-rounder Salman Agha will captain Pakistan in Test cricket for the first time in Azam's absence. Agha has previously led Pakistan in T20 cricket since 2024 and has appeared in 27 Tests.
Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed Agha's captaincy on Tuesday. It is hoped that Azam may be fit to play in the second Test at Lord's next week.
Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel is expected to return to the Pakistan XI, having missed both Tests in the West Indies. Awais Zafar, who debuted in the second West Indies Test, may retain his place, while Shan Masood is also poised to return from injury.