During the first test match between England and Pakistan, held in Headingley, the Pakistani team faced a poor start. Having lost the toss, Pakistan took the field for the first game and lost two wickets at just six runs.
Babar Azam did not participate in this match due to an injury to his right finger. However, as the toss approached, he suddenly appeared on the field wearing the green team blazer and a practice cap.
Seeing him dressed like that, former England captain Nasir Hussain and Ian Ward, who were in the commentary box, were surprised. Video of Babar Azam's appearance quickly spread across social media, generating numerous reactions from fans.
Fans and commentators questioned what Babar Azam was doing in the blazer during the toss if he wasn't playing in the match. It turned out that he had come onto the field not to play, but for a joint photoshoot with the series trophy. During his walk around the field, he noticed that a thick bandage had been applied to his injured finger.
Babar's injury occurred during a warm-up match against an XI club side from Beckenham and affected the middle finger of his right hand. He had previously sustained an injury to the same hand during the series against the West Indies. Although he started training on Monday and participated in target throws, the team management decided not to take risks.
Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed explained that Babar was still in pain, leading to the decision to rest him in the first test match. Following Babar Azam's exclusion, Salman Ali Agha was appointed captain of the Pakistan national team for this match. Salman had previously served as captain in one-day and T20 matches, but this was his first experience leading in Test matches.