Pakistan captain Babar Azam has confirmed he is “90 per cent fit” as he prepares to return to the side for the second Test against England at Lord’s. The 31-year-old missed the series opener at Headingley due to a finger injury, a match where the tourists suffered a heavy defeat by an innings and 103 runs, leaving them 1-0 down in the three-match series.
Azam’s injury was exacerbated during a warm-up match when he was struck on the glove, compounding a finger issue he first sustained during Pakistan’s recent tour of the West Indies. Despite the setback, he has been batting in the nets over the last 48 hours. “I’ve had a couple of practice sessions again and I’m 90 percent fit for the match tomorrow,” Azam told reporters at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
Reflecting on his return, the captain noted the significance of the venue. “Always when you lead the Pakistan team, especially at this ground, it is an honour for me and I will do my best. If it is on the field as captain or when I’m batting, I will just play my game.” He acknowledged the team’s struggles in the first Test, stating that the squad had discussed their mistakes and remained focused on playing better cricket.
Azam, who was Pakistan’s top run-scorer in the West Indies with 193 runs, has historically performed well in England, averaging 65.75 with three fifties in six innings. His return is expected to bolster a batting lineup that was dismissed for 171 and 135 in Leeds. Tactical changes are anticipated, with Azan Awais likely to make way, while the bowling attack may see the inclusion of 20-year-old Ubaid Shah to add pace. Other bowlers, including Mohammad Abbas and left-arm spinner Ali Usman, remain in contention.
England, meanwhile, are aiming to secure their first Test series victory in nearly two years. However, the build-up has been overshadowed by disciplinary issues. Captain Joe Root expressed his frustration on Tuesday after social media footage showed fast bowler Brydon Carse being spoken to by police outside a Derby nightclub. Carse has since been dropped from the squad.
Fast bowler Josh Tongue noted that Root’s firm address to the team regarding the incident was necessary. “It was a chat that was needed, a very good chat from Rooty,” the 28-year-old said. Tongue emphasized the need for professionalism, adding that the team must move on to set a positive example for young players aspiring to represent England.
The team’s recent history has been marked by off-field controversies, including a £30,000 fine for white-ball captain Harry Brook following an altercation with a bouncer in Wellington, and reports of a mid-series drinking incident during the Ashes in Noosa. Since last October, England has recorded three wins and six losses across nine Tests, a record they are eager to improve upon as they look to close out the series at Lord’s. The report also notes that but he has been back batting in the nets during the past 48 hours and the experienced batsman is now set to strengthen a Pakistan side dismissed for just 171 and 135 in Leeds when the second Test gets underway on Thursday. The report also notes that believing in ourselves and we will try to play good cricket.”, after that we sat to discuss our mistakes and now we are looking forward to the match. The report also notes that with one of Shan Masood or Abdullah Shafique moving up the order to open, azan Awais may make way if Azam returns at number four. The report also notes that root’s message hits home as hosts eye series. The report also notes that “He’s been around the England dressing room for plenty of years now, he knows what it takes to be the top professional and I think we’ve just got to do the best we can moving forward.
