Babar Azam Poised for Return in Lord’s Test Against England: Pakistan Captain Clears Fitness Test After Finger Injury

• by Akanksha Mishra
• 2026-08-26 14:51:00

Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam is on course to make a high-profile return to the playing XI for the crucial second Test against England at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground. The 31-year-old star batter successfully completed an intense, full-length batting session during training, showing no lingering discomfort from the finger injury that had previously sidelined him.

Umar Gul Confirms Captain's Positive Net Session

Addressing the media during the pre-match press conference, Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul provided an encouraging update regarding Babar's fitness and availability. Gul confirmed that the skipper was put through rigorous paces in the nets, successfully facing a diverse range of pace bowling, spin bowling, and specialized throwdowns.

"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 stated.

High Stakes at Lord's Following Headingley Defeat

Babar’s potential return provides a much-needed morale boost for a Pakistan side looking to bounce back from a comprehensive defeat in the opening Test at Headingley, where the visitors struggled to counter England's bowling attack. Babar has been in productive red-ball form recently, finishing as Pakistan's top scorer in the preceding West Indies series with 193 runs at an average of 96.50, featuring two fifties.

Reflecting on the team's broader requirements, Gul emphasized that victory requires a collective effort across all disciplines: "We'll have to learn from the mistakes we made in the previous game. If you want to win a Test match, you have to perform in all departments. One can't be carrying the other. But in these conditions, the responsibility lies more with the bowlers. Until you take 20 wickets, you can't win a Test match."

Tactical Adjustments in Pakistan's Batting Order

With Babar expected to slot back into his customary number four position, the team management faces tactical decisions regarding the batting order, which could see adjustments at the top with players like Shan Masood or Abdullah Shafique shifting roles. As Pakistan prepares for the iconic Lord's fixture, the team is banking on their captain's leadership and experience to level the series.

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