Babar expected to return for second PAK vs ENG Test at Lord’s

WEB DESK: Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam is expected to return to the playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s, with bowling coach Umar Gul expressing optimism about his recovery from a finger injury.

Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test at Headingley, losing by an innings and 103 runs in the absence of Babar. The defeat came after England bowled Pakistan out twice in fewer than 86 overs, leaving England 1-0 ahead in the three-match series.

Babar injured the fingers of his right hand while batting in Pakistan’s second Test against the West Indies earlier this month. The two-match series ended in a 1-1 draw, with Babar emerging as Pakistan’s leading run-scorer after accumulating 193 runs, including two half-centuries.

Gul said Babar had made encouraging progress during Tuesday’s training session. “Babar batted in the nets, faced fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns,” Gul told reporters. He added that the team was hopeful Babar would be available for the second Test and said the batter looked in good form during a full batting session.

Babar’s return would provide a major boost to Pakistan’s struggling batting line-up as they look to level the three-match series. The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 27, with England currently leading the series 1-0.