LONDON: Pakistan captain Babar Azam is increasingly likely to return to the playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s after making encouraging progress from a finger injury.
Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul said Babar had completed a full batting session in the nets and looked confident following his recovery.
Babar suffered the finger injury during Pakistan’s series against the West Indies, before aggravating the problem after being struck on the same finger during a practice match in Beckenham.
However, two days before the Lord’s Test, the batter faced fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns during a complete net session, with the coaching staff encouraged by his performance.
Gul said Babar batted well and appeared fully confident, adding that the team was hopeful he would be available for the second Test.
Babar’s potential return would provide a major boost to Pakistan’s struggling batting line-up. Pakistan were bowled out in both innings of the first Test in Leeds in less than 86 overs, registering a heavy defeat against England.
The right-handed batter is the top run-getter from the recent Test series between Pakistan and the West Indies, having scored 193 runs in two matches, including two half-centuries.
Babar has been re-appointed as the captain of the Pakistan team before the West Indies series. Should he come back for the match in Lord’s, it would be his maiden Test in England as Pakistan’s captain.
His return could therefore prove significant for both Pakistan’s batting strength and leadership as the team looks to bounce back in the second Test.
