Babar Azam Set for Return in Lord’s Test Against England

LONDON: Pakistan captain Babar Azam is increasingly likely to return to the playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s after making encouraging progress from a finger injury.

Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul said Babar has completed a full batting session in the nets and looked confident following his recovery. The Pakistan captain faced fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns during the session, giving the coaching staff confidence about his potential return.

Babar suffered the finger injury during Pakistan’s series against the West Indies and later aggravated the problem after being struck on the same finger during a practice match in Beckenham.

However, his latest batting session has provided a major boost ahead of the Lord’s Test. Umar Gul said Babar batted well and appeared confident, while the team remains hopeful that he will be available for the second Test.

Babar’s return could significantly strengthen Pakistan’s struggling batting line-up. Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test in Leeds, losing by an innings and 103 runs after being bowled out in both innings in less than 86 overs.

The right-handed batter was Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the recent Test series against the West Indies, scoring 193 runs in two matches, including two half-centuries.

Babar was reappointed as Pakistan’s captain before the West Indies series. If he returns for the Lord’s Test, it will be his first Test in England as Pakistan captain.

His comeback could therefore prove crucial as Pakistan look to recover from their disappointing first-Test performance and level the series against England.