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Babar Azam set to return to Pakistan playing XI for Lord's Test [Source: AFP]
In a significant development, Babar Azam has received the fitness clearance to play the second Test between Pakistan and England. The stylish right-hander missed the series opener in Leeds due to a finger injury, with Salman Ali Agha leading Pakistan in his absence.
With Babar Azam missing out, the Pakistani side had a forgettable outing at Headingley, losing the first Test comprehensively by an innings and 103 runs. However, the visitors have received a massive boost ahead of the second game of the three-match series, as Babar is set to make his way back into the Pakistani playing XI.
Babar Azam all but certain to make Pakistan return in 2nd Test vs England
On August 25, Tuesday, Babar Azam was spotted grinding in the nets, fine-tuning his batting skills ahead of the Lord's Test. In a video shared by the official page of the Lord's Cricket Ground on X, Babar was seen practicing the pull and cut shots against short balls bowled by Pakistan's throw-down specialist.
Later, Pakistan's bowling coach Umar Gul provided a detailed account of Babar's first net session after recovering from the finger injury. The former fast bowler revealed that Babar Azam had a full batting session, facing the fast bowlers and spinners, apart from the throw-down specialist.
Gul reckoned that Babar looked in great touch in the net session and would be available for the Lord's Test, starting on August 27, 2026.
"Babar batted in the nets, faced fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns. We're hopeful he will be available for the game and today he was looking good; he batted well in the nets. He had a full batting session," Gul told reporters.
Although Gul didn't stamp Babar's return to the playing XI for the 2nd Test against England, Cricinfo reported that the batter is all but certain to make his comeback at Lord's, having recovered from the injury that ruled him out of the Headingley encounter.
Who will make way for Babar Azam in Pakistan's playing XI for 2nd Test vs England?
Babar Azam was sidelined from the first Pakistan vs England Test in Leeds after sustaining a finger injury on his right hand during the three-day warm-up encounter. Abdullah Shafique replaced him at number 4, scoring 76 runs, including a half-century at Headingley.
Interestingly, Shafique has had a memorable comeback to Test cricket, amassing 260 runs in his last four innings at an average of 86.67. Therefore, despite Babar reclaiming the number four slot, Pakistan won't exclude Abdullah Shafique, who batted at that position in the Leeds Test.
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In such a scenario, young opener Azan Awais seems the most likely candidate to make way for Babar Azam in Pakistan's playing XI for the 2nd Test against England. Awais had a promising start to his career, averaging 38 in the away series against Bangladesh; but he has found it quite challenging to score runs on seam-friendly decks of West Indies and England.
In his last 6 Test innings, Azan Awais has managed only 85 runs, emerging as a headache for the Pakistani team at the top order. The left-hander scored nine runs in the Headingley Test, as the England bowlers consistently exposed his technical vulnerability against the moving ball.
Therefore, with Babar set to bat at number 4, the experienced duo of Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood will likely open the batting for Pakistan, followed by Abdullah Shafique at number 3.
What is Babar Azam's record at Lord's?
Babar Azam has played a solitary Test match at Lord's in his illustrious career. The right-handed batter has amassed 68 runs in his only innings at the Mecca of cricket.
Interestingly, his fifty came in a winning cause, as Pakistan defeated England by nine wickets in that encounter, which took place way back in May 2018. Thus, Babar Azam will be keen to sustain his dominance at Lord's when he returns to the home of cricket for a Test match for the first time in eight years.
Also Read: Shoriful Islam Denied Debut In England Despite Historic Spell vs Australia
