Pakistan expect their star batter to return from a finger injury for the second Test against England after a heavy defeat at Headingley.
LONDON: Pakistan batter Babar Azam is set to return for the second ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 Test against England at Lord’s after missing the opening match because of a finger injury.
Babar was seen batting in the nets at Lord’s on Tuesday, with Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul confirming that the former captain is in line to feature in the Test beginning on Thursday, August 27.
“Babar batted in the nets, faced fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns,” Gul said.
“We’re hopeful he will be available for the game and today he was looking good; he batted well in the nets. He had a full batting session.”
Babar’s return would provide a significant boost to Pakistan, who suffered a heavy defeat in the opening Test at Headingley, losing by an innings and 103 runs.
Babar returns after strong West Indies series
The right-hander was Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in their previous Test series against the West Indies, accumulating 193 runs, including two half-centuries.
He has also been in productive form in England. Babar has scored three half-centuries in six Test innings in the country, averaging 65.75.
Against England specifically, he averages 53.83 across 14 innings, with six half-centuries and a century to his name.
Pakistan will hope his return can strengthen a batting line-up that struggled against England in the first Test.
England currently lead the three-match series 1-0 after their dominant performance at Headingley.
Pakistan face must-win Test at Lord’s
The second Test at Lord’s will be particularly important for Pakistan as they look to level the series and improve their position in the World Test Championship standings.
A victory would keep Pakistan in contention in the series and provide an opportunity to respond strongly after their disappointing performance in the opening Test.
The third and final Test will be played at Edgbaston from September 9 to 13.
England vs Pakistan Test series schedule
•First Test: August 19-23, Headingley — England won by an innings and 103 runs
•Second Test: August 27-31, Lord’s
•Third Test: September 9-13, Edgbaston
With Babar Azam expected to return, Pakistan will hope the experienced batter can make an immediate impact and help revive the team’s fortunes at Lord’s.