Pakistan Hopeful Babar Azam Will Return for Lord's Test Against England
Pakistan are increasingly hopeful that captain Babar Azam will return for the second Test against England at Lord's after completing an encouraging batting session while recovering from a finger injury. Bowling coach Umar Gul said on Tuesday that Babar had taken part in a full net session, giving the touring side a potentially significant boost before the match begins on Thursday.
Babar missed the opening Test after first suffering the finger problem during Pakistan's preceding series against the West Indies and then aggravating the injury when he was struck during the team's warm-up match at Beckenham. His absence left Pakistan without one of their most experienced batters as England dominated the first Test at Headingley and won by an innings and 103 runs.
According to Gul, Babar faced fast bowlers, spin bowling and throwdowns during his latest training session. The Pakistan bowling coach said the captain looked comfortable while batting and expressed hope that he would be available for selection at Lord's. The session represents an important step in Babar's recovery, although the final decision on his participation will depend on his fitness ahead of the match.
Pakistan's batting performance in the opening Test increased the importance of Babar's possible return. England dismissed the visitors twice in fewer than 86 overs combined at Headingley, leaving Pakistan needing greater stability and resistance from their top and middle order in London. Babar's experience in international cricket and his recent form could provide additional support as Pakistan attempt to level the three-match series.
The captain entered the England tour after finishing as Pakistan's leading run-scorer in the series against the West Indies. He accumulated 193 runs in that contest and registered two half-centuries before the finger injury disrupted his preparations for the England series. His recovery is therefore being watched closely as Pakistan seek to restore a key component of their batting lineup.
Babar was also seen batting in the indoor nets at Lord's in footage shared by the ground's official social media account on Tuesday. The training appearance added to expectations that he could be considered for the second Test, although Pakistan had not formally confirmed his place in the playing XI at the time of the latest update.
England currently lead the three-match series 1-0 following their emphatic victory at Headingley. Pakistan's immediate focus will be on assessing Babar's condition before Thursday's match and determining whether he can return without risking another setback to his injured finger. If cleared, his inclusion would strengthen Pakistan's batting resources as the tourists attempt to respond at Lord's and keep the series alive.