Eng: will: PAK vs ENG: Will Babar Azam Play 2nd Test at

On August 25, Babar Azam batted with fluent timing in a full nets session at Lord’s, looking in good touch against fast bowlers and spinners. His injured right-hand finger now faces a final fitness test that will decide Pakistan’s XI for the second Test against England, scheduled to start at Lord’s on August 27 — and bowling coach Umar Gul struck a hopeful note: “We’re hopeful he will be available for the game.” Selection headlines across BBC Sport cricket desks in India and abroad now hinge on that verdict.

Why Did Babar Azam Miss the First Test Match?

The star batter missed Pakistan’s opening fixture of the series because of a right-hand finger injury suffered during a training warm-up game at Beckenham. This setback robbed the visiting batting lineup of its most experienced anchor, forcing tactical reshuffles that ultimately hurt their scoreboard pressure.

Pakistan’s team management decided against rushing him into the playing eleven back then, prioritizing long-term recovery over a premature return. The absence of their premier No. 4 left a massive leadership and tactical void in the middle order. Multiple reports indicated that his recovery timeline was managed cautiously by medical staff to prevent any permanent damage to the hand.

How Did Babar Azam Perform in the Recent Training Session?

Babar completed a full batting session in training and was reported to have looked in good touch against fast bowlers, spinners, and throwdowns at Lord’s. News updates on August 25 described the right-hander batting with fluent timing and showing minimal discomfort against pace.

Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul offered an optimistic assessment after watching the star successfully navigate the rigorous nets routine. > “We’re hopeful he will be available for the game,” Umar Gul stated regarding the batter’s participation in the upcoming fixture. That said, some internal coaching sources described his participation as still slightly uncertain because of lingering swelling in the injured finger.

Will Babar Azam Resume the Captaincy If He Returns?

Multiple reports suggest that Babar is expected to reclaim the leadership responsibilities from Salman Ali Agha if team selectors and medical staff clear him for match action.

Management values his tactical composure on high-pressure English turf, where reading scoreboard momentum is vital. Reclaiming the captaincy would instantly restore stability to Pakistan’s on-field decision-making units. One preview listed Pakistan’s likely XI with Babar slotted back at No. 4, flanked by wicketkeeper options like Mohammad Rizwan or Ghazi Ghori.

What Are Pakistan’s Tactical Options for the Lord’s Test?

Pakistan team analysts are actively weighing whether to deploy two specialist spinners on the famous Lord’s grass or stick with an extra pace option. Babar’s availability directly dictates the final balance of the batting order, especially given how vulnerable the lower middle order looked in the previous outing.

The team management wants to ensure the bowling attack has enough depth to exploit any early moisture in the pitch. If he passes his final fitness assessment on match morning, the visitors will restructure their batting guard to maximize aggressive intent from the opening session. Stay tuned for more on ENG: Will.

Verdict: Babar Azam’s expected return hinges entirely on how his right-hand finger responds to the final fitness test before the toss at Lord’s.

Worth noting: cricket enthusiasts across India can follow live updates through BBC Sport Cricket coverage as the dramatic red-ball series unfolds.