Babar Azam Uncertain For 2nd Test vs England, Skips Pakistan Practice

Babar Azam [Source: AFP]

There is a sense of uncertainty within the Pakistan camp, especially regarding the fate of captain Babar Azam. After missing the first Test of the series against England at Headingley in Leeds last week, it appears that the legendary batter might also miss Pakistan’s must-win second Test at Lord’s.

It is worth noting that Babar was forced to miss the series-opener against England last week owing to a finger injury. The cricketer suffered the injury during Pakistan’s warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham.

Babar Azam likely to miss 2nd Test vs England

The availability of Babar Azam in the Pakistan playing XI for the upcoming second Test looks uncertain at the moment. As reported by journalist Saleem Khaliq, the legendary Pakistan batter has not taken part in any practise session in the last four days.

Also Read- Salman Agha Reacts To 'Worst Side' Tag For Pakistan After Headingley Defeat

Moreover, there is also swelling on the cricketer’s finger owing to the injury he suffered in Beckenham over a week ago. 

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🚨 UPDATE ON BABAR AZAM. 🇵🇰 - Babar Azam's participation in the 2nd Test remains uncertain. - He has not taken part in practice for four days & swelling in his finger remains. (Saleem Khaliq)

Aug 23, 2026, 6:13 PM

How did Pakistan fare without Babar Azam in 1st Test

With captain Babar sitting on the sidelines, the Pakistan team management named T20I skipper Agha Salman as team’s interim captain for the first Test against England at Headingley in Leeds. 

The legendary Pakistani batter was also replaced by Saud Shakeel in the middle-order, who made his return to the playing XI for the first time since featuring in their away Test series against Bangladesh back in May. 

Unfortunately for Pakistan, Saud Shakeel failed to score the desire runs, and Agha’s captaincy fell flat as the visitors lost the match by an innings and 103 runs inside three days. 

How will Babar’s absence impact Pakistan at Lord’s

If Babar Azam indeed misses Pakistan’s upcoming all-important second Test against England at Lord’s in London, it would come as a major blow to Pakistan’s hopes of bouncing back in the series, especially after their crushing defeat in the opener.

For instance, Babar’s experience in the middle order adds value to Pakistan’s line-up. Moreover, the 31-year-old is also in good nick at the moment. Just earlier this month, the elegant right-handed batter struck a match-winning 88 for Pakistan against the West Indies cricket team at Port of Spain.

Making his return as Pakistan Test captain for the series, the innings also paved way for Pakistan’s comprehensive victory, thus snapping their four-match losing streak on the 2025-27 WTC cycle.

Mohammad Rizwan likely to be rested

According to sources close to Pakistan cricket, senior wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan might also be rested by the team management in the second Test against England.

However, Rizwan will likely retain his place in the playing XI if Babar Azam indeed ends up missing the all-important match, considering resting the wicketkeeper will leave Pakistan without two of its seniormost batters. 

The second England vs Pakistan Test will be played between August 27 and August 31 at Lord’s in London this coming week.

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