LONDON: Pakistan are poised to welcome back Babar Azam for the second Test against England at Lord’s, with the captain’s return offering a major boost to a side desperate to respond after a disappointing opening defeat.
The three-match series moves to the iconic London venue today, with Pakistan under pressure following their innings-and-103-run loss to England at Headingley. The visitors struggled badly with the bat in Leeds, managing only 171 in their first innings and 135 in the second.
Babar was absent from the opener after suffering a bruised hand during Pakistan’s practice match against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham. Salman Ali Agha stepped in as captain, but the team’s batting problems were impossible to overlook.
Now reportedly fully fit, Babar is expected to return to the XI and strengthen a middle order that lacked consistency in the first Test.
His comeback could come at the expense of Saud Shakeel. The left-hander endured a difficult outing at Headingley, scoring only five and 14 across the two innings. With Babar back, Shakeel could be the player to make way.
Pakistan are also considering a change to their pace attack.
Young fast bowler Ubaid Shah is reportedly in contention for a recall after being left out of the first Test. The 19-year-old made his Test debut against the West Indies in Port of Spain earlier this year and could replace either Khurram Shahzad or Mohammad Ali.
Neither bowler made a convincing case for retaining his place. Shahzad picked up three wickets at Headingley but conceded 133 runs, while Mohammad Ali managed only one wicket for 89 runs.
The final decision, however, could depend on conditions at Lord’s.
Babar indicated on Wednesday that Pakistan would assess the pitch before settling on their combination. Rather than making changes simply for the sake of it, the captain stressed the importance of selecting players according to the team’s requirements.
That approach could prove crucial at Lord’s, where conditions can offer assistance to fast bowlers, particularly when the ball is moving in the air.
For Pakistan, Babar’s return is about more than adding another name to the scorecard. His presence brings experience, leadership and the ability to anchor an innings when the pressure is highest.
England, meanwhile, will be confident after dominating the opening Test and will hope to maintain their momentum.
Pakistan now face a simple challenge: turn a disappointing start into a fightback at one of cricket’s most famous grounds. With Babar back and possible changes in the attack, the second Test promises a very different contest.
