Babar Azam declares himself 90 percent fit for second test against England

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has declared himself “90 per cent fit” as he prepares to return to the side for the second Test against England

LONDON:Pakistan captain Babar Azam has declared himself “90 per cent fit” as he prepares to return to the side for the second Test against England at Lord’s on Thursday.

The 31-year-old batter missed Pakistan’s opening Test at Headingley after suffering a finger injury. Pakistan struggled badly in his absence, losing the match by an innings and 103 runs as England took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Babar’s injury occurred during a warm-up match when he was struck on the glove while batting. The blow aggravated a finger problem he had originally suffered during Pakistan’s recent tour of the West Indies. However, after spending the last two days batting in the nets, the Pakistan captain appears ready to make his comeback.

Speaking at a press conference at Lord’s on Wednesday, Babar said he had completed several practice sessions and was confident about his fitness ahead of the crucial Test.

“I’ve had a couple of practice sessions again, and I’m 90 per cent fit for the match tomorrow,” he said.

Babar also described leading Pakistan at the historic Lord’s ground as a special honour. He said he would focus on contributing both as captain and as a batter, while attempting to play his natural game.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the first Test, Babar admitted that the team had failed to perform according to its potential. Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in their first innings and managed only 135 in the second, allowing England to dominate the contest.

However, Babar praised England for their performance and said the Pakistani team had carefully reviewed its mistakes following the defeat.

“I think we were not playing up to our mark, but credit to England for the way they are playing,” he said. “After that we sat to discuss our mistakes and now we are looking forward to the match, believing in ourselves and we will try to play good cricket.”

Babar enters the second Test with a strong record in England. He scored 193 runs during Pakistan’s recent two-Test series in the West Indies, finishing as his team’s leading run-scorer in the drawn series. In England, he has also produced impressive performances, scoring three half-centuries in six innings at an average of 65.75.

His return is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s fragile batting line-up. If Babar resumes his position at number four, Azan Awais could be left out, while either Shan Masood or Abdullah Shafique may move up the order to open the innings.

Pakistan are also considering changes to their bowling attack after their lack of pace was exposed at Headingley. Twenty-year-old fast bowler Ubaid Shah could be brought into the playing XI to add greater speed and variety.

If Ubaid is selected, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali could compete for the remaining bowling position. Mohammad Abbas was Pakistan’s most dependable paceman in the opening Test, while left-arm spinner Ali Usman will be another key option after recording his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

With England leading the series 1-0, Pakistan face considerable pressure at Lord’s. Babar’s return is therefore expected to provide both experience and stability as Pakistan attempt to level the series and force a decider in the final Test.