Babar Azam Set to Return for Pakistan in Second England Test
LONDON: Pakistan captain Babar Azam is set to return for the second Test against England at Lord's after reporting that he has recovered sufficiently from a finger injury that forced him to miss the series opener. Speaking ahead of Thursday's match, Babar said he considered himself around 90 per cent fit following multiple practice sessions and was ready to resume leadership of the national side in a crucial contest.
Babar's return comes at an important moment for Pakistan after England secured a commanding innings-and-103-run victory at Headingley to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series. Pakistan struggled badly with the bat in Leeds, being dismissed for 171 and 135, and the captain's availability provides an experienced presence as the tourists attempt to level the series at one of cricket's most historic venues.
The 31-year-old had been sidelined after being struck on the hand during a warm-up fixture before the England series. The blow aggravated a finger problem he had already sustained during Pakistan's recent tour of the West Indies. Pakistan's medical staff subsequently kept him out of the opening Test, but Babar has returned to batting practice over the past two days and indicated that his recovery has progressed enough for him to play at Lord's.
Babar acknowledged that Pakistan had fallen short of their standards in the first Test and said the squad had reviewed its mistakes following the heavy defeat. His comeback could result in changes to the batting order, with Azan Awais potentially making way if Babar returns at number four. That scenario could also require Shan Masood or Abdullah Shafique to move up the order and open the innings.
Pakistan will be hoping Babar's record in England can help stabilise a batting unit that struggled against the home attack at Headingley. He was Pakistan's leading run-scorer during the recent two-Test series in the West Indies, collecting 193 runs. He has also previously performed strongly in English conditions, registering three half-centuries in six Test innings in the country and maintaining an average above 65.
Changes are also possible in Pakistan's bowling combination. Twenty-year-old fast bowler Ubaid Shah is among the options available to add extra pace after the attack lacked sustained speed in the first Test. Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali could be competing for a place, while veteran seamer Mohammad Abbas was Pakistan's most dependable pace option at Headingley. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman also enters the Lord's match after recording his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
The second Test, beginning August 27 at Lord's, has become a critical opportunity for Pakistan to keep the series alive. A victory would restore parity before the final match, while another England win would settle the series with a game remaining. Babar's fitness will therefore remain one of the central factors as Pakistan finalise their playing eleven and look for a significant response following their opening defeat.