Heads or tails? Babar Azam wins coin toss after mid-air confusion

Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the first coin toss of his side’s T20I series against England, but only after some confusion, with presenter Ian Ward initially mishearing the call.

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The first game of the series, at Headingley, was washed out completely, making the second game at Edgbaston the first to see any actual action.

While the threat of rain hasn’t disappeared entirely, the toss time arrived with the weather set fair, and match referee Chris Broad was joined by Babar and England skipper Jos Buttler in the middle. Buttler tossed the coin into the air, with Babar saying “Tails”. However, Ward misheard him, repeating his call as “Heads” into his microphone.

Ward then made clear his confusion as Broad said “tails, it’s tails”, signalling that Babar had won the toss. Both Babar and Buttler smiled before shaking hands, with the former revealing his decision to bowl first. Buttler explained that he would also have chosen to chase, if given the choice.

The game was notable for marking Jofra Archer’s return to action following a lengthy injury absence. He last played a professional game over a year ago, while his last game for England at home was in September 2020.

The series will form important T20 World Cup prep for both sides. England are defending champions, while Pakistan were beaten finalists and semi-finalists in 2022 and 2021 respectively. This year’s competition, to be staged in the USA and West Indies, begins on June 2.