Pakistan captain Babar Azam has confirmed his return for the second Test against England at Lord’s, declaring himself “90 per cent fit” following a finger injury. The 31-year-old missed the series opener at Headingley, where Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat by an innings and 103 runs, leaving them trailing 1-0 in the three-match series.
Azam’s injury was exacerbated by a blow to the glove during a warm-up match, adding to a finger issue he first sustained during Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies. Despite the setback, he has spent the last 48 hours training in the nets. “I’ve had a couple of practice sessions again and I’m 90 percent fit for the match tomorrow,” Azam stated during a press conference at Lord’s on Wednesday.
Reflecting on his return, the captain expressed his commitment to the side, noting that leading the team at such a historic venue is an honor. While acknowledging that Pakistan’s performance in the first Test was below expectations, he emphasized the importance of self-belief and learning from past mistakes. Azam, who was Pakistan’s top run-scorer in the West Indies with 193 runs, has historically performed well in England, maintaining an average of 65.75 across six innings.
Tactical adjustments are expected for the visitors, with 20-year-old Ubaid Shah potentially joining the bowling attack to provide extra pace. The team management is also weighing options for the batting order, which may see Azan Awais drop out to accommodate Azam, while Shan Masood or Abdullah Shafique could move up to open. The bowling unit remains competitive, with Mohammad Abbas providing stability and left-arm spinner Ali Usman coming off a maiden five-wicket haul.
Meanwhile, England enters the second Test aiming for their first series victory in nearly two years. However, the build-up has been overshadowed by off-field disciplinary issues. Captain Joe Root, leading the side for the second time, expressed his frustration after social media footage emerged showing fast bowler Brydon Carse being spoken to by police outside a Derby nightclub. Carse has since been dropped from the squad.
The incident is the latest in a series of disciplinary lapses for the England team, which has seen three wins and six losses in nine Tests since October. Previous controversies include white-ball captain Harry Brook being fined £30,000 for an altercation with a bouncer in Wellington, alongside reports of a boisterous mid-series break during the Ashes in Noosa.
Fast bowler Josh Tongue noted that Root’s stern address to the squad was necessary and well-received. “It was a chat that was needed, a very good chat from Rooty,” the 28-year-old told reporters. Tongue emphasized the need for professionalism, stating that the team must move past these distractions to set a positive example for young players aspiring to represent England. 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 “Always when you lead the Pakistan team, especially at this ground, it is an honour for me and I will do my best. The report also notes that he added: “I think we were not playing up to our mark (in the first Test) but credit to England for the way they are playing. 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 root’s message hits home as hosts eye series.
Comments