Babar Azam in doubt for start of desperation Test series in England
Two teams desperate for success meet when England and Pakistan begin a three-test series on Wednesday in Leeds. Neither has won a series of two tests or more in almost two years. England’s last such triumph was in December 2024 in New Zealand. Pakistan’s last was in October that same year at home against England. Since then there’s been mainly suffering.
England’s Ashes series in Australia unravelled in less than 11 days. England was blown away as coach Brendon McCullum overestimated and underprepared his side, and captain Ben Stokes lost faith in Bazball.
England had a chance to wipe the slate clean but McCullum and Stokes stayed. In June, Stokes over-celebrated a win against New Zealand achieved on a trashy Lord’s pitch and was suspended, and the no-nonsense Kiwis ruthlessly came from behind and took the series. McCullum was sacked as the test coach, while Stokes retired after a selfish last grasp at glory in Nottingham.
Doubts about England’s leadership succession planning emerged when the captaincy was given to Joe Root ahead of test vice-captain and white-ball skipper Harry Brook, who was endorsed by Stokes. Babar Azam was given a second stint as Pakistan captain. Shan Masood was sacked after Pakistan was swept in Bangladesh 2-0 in May and equalled its worst losing streak overseas at seven consecutive tests.
Babar, steady but unambitious as captain, thrives with the responsibility, with a batting average above 50. His team lost a record eighth straight test last month in the Caribbean but they ended the streak two weeks ago against the West Indies in Port of Spain to bring some confidence to England.
However, Babar is a doubt for Headingley due to a hand injury received in the West Indies and again in a three-day warmup match last week. He will be a game-day decision, fast bowler Mohammad Abbas said on Monday.
