Babar Azam missed 1st Test vs England due to an injury | PC- X/@AhmadRana056
Pakistan were annihilated by England at Headingley, with Babar Azam missing out due to a finger injury. However, the Pakistan captain is set to return to the starting XI for the ENG vs PAK 2nd Test match at Lord’s Cricket Ground, starting on August 27.
England’s fast bowlers, especially Ollie Robinson, ran riot, resulting in Pakistan getting bowled out for 171 and 135 runs, as they were thrashed by an innings and 103 runs.
The visiting side will look to keep those memories in the past and concentrate on what is in their hands.
Babar Azam practises at indoor facility at Lord's
Two days ahead of the Lord’s Test, a video of Babar Azam practising at the indoor facility of the venue is going viral.
Although he was practising off a coach’s bowling, he played a couple of elegant strokes off his blade, showing great rhythm.
The 28-year-old was seen batting on short of a length delivery, as he displayed back foot punches and pull shots.
Watch: Babar Azam unleashes supreme stroke play in nets before ENG vs PAK 2nd Test
Also Read: Babar Azam's Double Century Predicted For Lord's Test
Later in the session, the stylish batter was seen playing fuller deliveries, targeting his stumps, and unleashing shots in the straight V.
Babar Azam eyes to break Test slump with impressive record at Lord's
As Babar Azam is slated to make a return after his unfortunate injury, Team Pakistan will be banking on their best batter to deliver. Although he has no Test century in England yet, Babar has impressive stats.
On Tuesday, after the session, Pakistan's fast bowling coach, Umar Gul, spoke about Babar's practice nets, stating that the skipper had a quality practice against faster bowlers. Also, he confirmed Babar's availability for the second Test match.
So far, he has played four Tests in England, racking up 263 runs in six innings at an average of 65.75, featuring three half-centuries. Moreover, he contributed significantly to Pakistan’s famous victory at Lord’s back in 2018, scoring an unbeaten 68 before being retired hurt.
Additionally, the 31-year-old had a brilliant series in the Caribbean on his return to Test captaincy, notching 194 runs in four innings at 96.50 and winning the Player of the Series vs West Indies.
That said, Babar is going through a drought in Test cricket, as he has not been able to convert his knocks into a century in the longest format since his 161 at Karachi against New Zealand back in December 2022.
Can Pakistan’s bowling attack bounce back after Headingley defeat?
Pakistan may have received a beating from the home team in the opening match, but they have always been the most unpredictable team in world cricket, who can turn the chips around when it’s least expected from them.
Babar Azam’s return will surely strengthen their frail batting order, but Pakistan have picked an ordinary bowling attack for this trip to England.
Although the left-arm spinner Usman Ali picked up a five-wicket haul in the last match, the fast bowling was simply flat. Mohammad Abbas may have the exceptional experience of playing in the county championship, but he would require assistance from his fast-bowling colleagues from the other end.
Nevertheless, Pakistan are currently sitting bottom of the Points Table in the WTC 2025/27 cycle, with just 19.05 percentage points after seven matches.
Also Read: Tanvir Ahmed Drags Virat Kohli In Babar Azam Confrontation
.jpg?type=mq "Sarfaraz Khan Fears Action")
.jpg?type=mq "Pakistan's Win Record With And Without Babar Azam")
