Pakistan captain Babar Azam has confirmed he is “90 per cent fit” ahead of the second Test against England at Lord’s, set to begin this Thursday. The 31-year-old batsman, who missed the series opener at Headingley due to a finger injury, is expected to bolster a lineup that struggled significantly in his absence.
The tourists suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test, losing by an innings and 103 runs after being dismissed for scores of 171 and 135. Azam’s injury, which occurred during a warm-up match, aggravated a previous finger issue sustained during Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies. Despite the setback, he has spent the last 48 hours practicing in the nets and expressed his readiness to lead the side.
“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. He emphasized the honor of leading Pakistan at Lord’s, noting that the team has analyzed their mistakes from the first Test and remains focused on playing better cricket.
Pakistan’s team selection may see further adjustments, with 20-year-old Ubaid Shah potentially introduced to provide additional pace to the bowling attack. Competition for spots remains high, with Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali vying for a place, while left-arm spinner Ali Usman looks to build on his recent maiden five-wicket haul.
While Pakistan focuses on leveling the series, England is dealing with internal disciplinary challenges. Captain Joe Root, leading the side in his second stint, expressed his frustration after video footage emerged showing fast bowler Brydon Carse in handcuffs outside a Derby nightclub. Carse has since been dropped from the squad.
Fast bowler Josh Tongue noted that Root held a firm, necessary discussion with the team regarding their conduct. “It was a chat that was needed, a very good chat from Rooty,” Tongue said, adding that the players must maintain professionalism to move past recent off-field controversies.
England’s recent history has been marred by several disciplinary incidents, including a £30,000 fine for white-ball captain Harry Brook following an altercation 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.
As England looks to secure its first Test series victory in nearly two years, the focus remains on whether they can maintain discipline while facing a reinvigorated Pakistan side. Azam, who was Pakistan’s top scorer in the West Indies with 193 runs, holds a strong record in England, averaging 65.75 with three fifties in six innings.
Tactical changes for Pakistan may include Azan Awais stepping aside to accommodate Azam at number four, with either Shan Masood or Abdullah Shafique likely moving up to open the batting. The report also notes that with the tourists thrashed by an innings and 103 runs in his absence as England went 1-0 up in a three-match campaign, azam missed last week’s series opener at Headingley because of a finger injury. 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 Thursda. 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.
