Pakistan suffered a big blow as batsman Babar Azam was ruled out of the two-match Test series due to a fractured wrist.

Pakistan took control of the first Test against England with in-form batsman Azam hitting 68 as Pakistan reached stumps on 350 for eight – a lead of 166 runs.

However, Azam was forced to retire hurt after being hit on the wrist by England all-rounder Ben Stokes.

The 23-year-old walked off the field in pain as on-field treatment failed to help him grip the bat.

Babar was taken to a hospital for a scan which confirmed a fracture. He will not take the field at Lord’s or participate in the second Test at Headingley.

“We took him for a precautionary X-ray which unfortunately confirmed a fractured left wrist,” Pakistan physiotherapist Cliff Deacon said.

“It normally takes four to six weeks to heal so we will assess him with further X-rays.”