Pakistan, Aug. 19 -- Pakistan captain and star batter Babar Azam will miss the opening Test of the three-match away series against England, set to commence on Wednesday at Leeds, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed on Tuesday.

Salman Ali Agha will captain the national side in the first Test in the absence of Babar, Ahmed said in a statement. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Sarfaraz said Babar is being assessed by the medical team and he is currently experiencing pain.

"He is feeling pain, and the medical team is assessing him. Hopefully, he will be available for the second Test," Sarfaraz said. The development comes after Babar sustained a finger injury during Pakistan's three-day practice match against the Professional County...