Babar Azam Leads 2026 Test Batting Averages as Pakistan Dominate Sri Lanka Opener

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has climbed to the top of the Test batting averages for 2026 among players who have batted at least 10 innings, according to a roundup of the year's leading performers. The 32-year-old holds an average of 50.55, placing him ahead of some of the game's most prominent names.

England's Harry Brook sits second on the list with 558 runs from 12 innings at an average of 46.50. Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim ranks third at 44.16, while Australia's Travis Head (42.09) and England's Joe Root (41.75) complete the top five.

Babar's latest contribution came on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where he made 50 off 58 balls with seven boundaries. He shared a 69-run stand with debutant Mohammad Taha before being caught by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis off the bowling of Dilshan Madushanka.

The innings was Babar's fifth Test half-century of the year, though he is still awaiting a three-figure score. He has now gone 41 consecutive Test innings without a century, with his last hundred coming against New Zealand in December 2022. During the same match, he also passed the 7,000-run mark in first-class cricket.

Pakistan closed the opening day on 281-5, with debutants Tayyab Arif and Mohammad Taha contributing 57 and 51 respectively. Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten on 57 when bad light ended play early.

The hosts will look to build on their strong start when play resumes, while Babar will be aiming to convert his consistent form into the century that has so far eluded him this year.