Pakistan Hopeful of Babar Azam’s Return for Second England Test at Lord’s

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

Pakistan batter continues recovery from finger injury ahead of Thursday’s Test

Pakistan captain Babar Azam could return to the playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s after completing a positive batting session during training.

Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul said Babar showed encouraging signs as he continued his recovery from a finger injury that kept him out of the opening Test at Headingley.

Babar Completes Full Batting Session

Babar injured his finger during the West Indies series and later aggravated the issue after being hit during Pakistan’s warm-up match against the PCC Select XI at Beckenham.

He subsequently missed the first Test, which England won by an innings and 103 runs.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Gul said Babar had a productive session in the nets.

“Babar batted in the nets, faced fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns,” Gul said.

He added that the Pakistan team was hopeful the batter would be fit for the Lord’s Test.

“He had a full batting session.”

Pakistan Look to Strengthen Batting

Babar’s potential return would be a major boost for Pakistan after the team struggled with the bat in the first Test.

Pakistan were dismissed twice within 86 overs at Headingley as England secured a convincing victory and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Babar had been Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the preceding series against the West Indies, scoring 193 runs and registering two half-centuries.

The second Test is scheduled to begin at Lord’s on Thursday.

Earlier on Tuesday, Lord’s Cricket Ground also shared a video on its official X account showing Babar batting in the indoor nets alongside a member of Pakistan’s coaching staff.

His fitness will be closely monitored by the team management before the final playing XI is confirmed.