The ENG vs PAK Test series began with an unexpected moment even before the first ball was bowled. Pakistan’s Test captain Babar Azam, who is not part of the playing XI for the opening Test against England due to injury, was spotted walking onto the field wearing Pakistan’s iconic green team blazer and Test cap.
His appearance immediately caught everyone’s attention. Fans watching the live broadcast and even commentators in the commentary box were left wondering why Babar was on the field despite being ruled out of the match. Within minutes, clips of the incident started circulating across social media platforms, sparking discussions among cricket lovers worldwide.
ENG vs PAK: Pakistan Make a Disappointing Start in the First Test
Pakistan endured a difficult beginning after losing the toss and being asked to bat first in the opening ENG vs PAK Test at Headingley. The visitors struggled from the very start and lost two wickets for just six runs, putting themselves under early pressure against England’s disciplined bowling attack.
The poor start only increased the focus on the absence of Babar Azam, one of Pakistan’s most experienced batters and a key figure in the team’s batting lineup.
Why Was Babar Azam on the Field If He Was Not Playing?
The biggest talking point before the start of the match was Babar Azam’s appearance on the field wearing Pakistan’s official Test blazer.
Since he had already been ruled out with a finger injury, many viewers assumed there had been a late change in the playing XI. Even former England captain Nasser Hussain and commentator Ian Ward expressed surprise during the live broadcast after spotting Babar fully dressed in the traditional Test attire.
Social media users also questioned why Pakistan’s star batter had entered the field despite not being available for selection.
The Real Reason Behind Babar Azam’s Appearance
The mystery was soon solved.
Babar Azam was not preparing to play the match. Instead, he had come onto the field to participate in the official pre-series trophy photo session.
It is common before major bilateral Test series for captains or senior representatives to pose with the series trophy for broadcasters and photographers. Since Babar remains one of Pakistan cricket’s biggest faces, he attended the ceremonial photoshoot wearing the official team blazer and Test cap.
After the photo session, he left the playing area without taking any further part in the match.
Injury Still Visible on Babar Azam’s Hand
While cameras followed Babar during his walk across the ground, another important detail became noticeable.
His injured right-hand middle finger was heavily wrapped with protective bandaging, confirming that the injury had not completely healed.
The bandage reassured fans that Pakistan’s medical team was taking extra precautions and that the decision to keep him out of the first Test was based purely on fitness rather than form.
ENG vs PAK: How Did Babar Azam Get Injured?
Babar Azam suffered the injury during Pakistan’s warm-up match against the County Select XI in Beckenham ahead of the Test series.
The injury affected the middle finger of his right hand, making batting uncomfortable.
Interestingly, this was not the first time Babar had experienced problems with the same hand. He had also picked up an injury during Pakistan’s previous series against the West Indies.
Although he resumed practice earlier this week and even faced throwdowns in the nets, the discomfort had not completely disappeared.
Pakistan Team Management Refused to Take Any Risk
Pakistan’s coaching staff decided that there was no reason to rush their star batter back into action.
According to the team management, Babar was still experiencing slight pain while batting. Considering the length of the Test series, selectors and medical staff agreed that giving him additional recovery time would be the best long-term decision.
The move reflects Pakistan’s intention to ensure Babar returns fully fit rather than risking a more serious injury.
Salman Ali Agha Leads Pakistan in the First Test
With Babar Azam unavailable, Salman Ali Agha has been appointed captain for the opening ENG vs PAK Test.
Although Salman has previously led Pakistan in limited-overs cricket, including ODIs and T20Is, this marks the first time he has captained the national side in Test cricket.
The responsibility is significant, especially against a strong England team playing in home conditions.
Cricket experts believe this Test will provide valuable leadership experience for Salman while allowing Babar sufficient time to recover.
Commentators Left Confused by Babar’s Entry
One of the most entertaining moments before the match came inside the commentary box.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain and broadcaster Ian Ward were visibly surprised after seeing Babar Azam dressed in the official Pakistan blazer.
Initially, there was uncertainty about whether Pakistan had made a late change to the playing XI. However, once broadcasters confirmed that Babar was only present for the trophy ceremony, the confusion was cleared.
The unusual scene quickly became one of the most discussed moments of the morning.
Fans React to the Viral Video
The video showing Babar Azam walking onto the field spread rapidly across social media platforms.
Fans posted thousands of reactions, with many initially believing that Babar had recovered in time for the match.
Some supporters joked that the commentators looked more confused than the fans, while others appreciated Babar’s commitment to representing Pakistan during the official ceremony despite being sidelined through injury.
Several cricket followers also wished him a speedy recovery, hoping to see him return later in the series.
Why Babar Azam’s Absence Matters in ENG vs PAK
Babar Azam remains one of Pakistan’s most reliable Test batters.
His ability to stabilize innings, score consistently under pressure and lead from the front makes him one of the team’s most valuable players.
Without him, Pakistan’s batting lineup loses both experience and composure, particularly against England’s aggressive pace attack and attacking style of cricket.
His absence places additional responsibility on senior players to deliver strong performances.
Can Babar Return Later in the Series?
The positive news for Pakistan supporters is that Babar has already resumed light practice.
Medical staff will continue monitoring the condition of his injured finger over the coming days.
If the pain reduces and he receives medical clearance, Babar could return for the remaining matches of the ENG vs PAK Test series.
Pakistan will certainly hope their star batter is available soon, as his presence could significantly strengthen both the batting unit and overall team confidence.
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COCLUSION
The opening day of the ENG vs PAK Test series produced an unusual off-field moment before cricket even began.
Although Babar Azam was officially ruled out due to a finger injury, his appearance in Pakistan’s traditional green Test blazer briefly created confusion among fans and commentators alike. The reason, however, was completely ceremonial, as he had joined the official trophy photo session before the match.
With Salman Ali Agha leading Pakistan and Babar continuing his recovery, attention now shifts to how the visitors perform without their premier batter. Meanwhile, fans across the cricketing world will be eagerly waiting for positive injury updates and hoping to see Babar Azam return later in the series.