Babar Azam Expected to Return for Pakistan in 2nd Test at Lord's

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is expected to return to the playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord's after completing a full batting session in training on Tuesday, August 25. The match, scheduled to begin on Thursday, August 27, is a must-win for Pakistan after they suffered an innings defeat in the first Test at Headingley. Babar missed the series opener due to a finger injury he initially sustained during Pakistan's recent tour of the West Indies. He aggravated the same injury during a practice match in Beckenham ahead of the England series. His absence was a significant blow, and stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha led the team in Leeds. Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul confirmed Babar's positive progress. "Babar batted in the nets, faced fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns," Gul said. "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." Reports from the training session at Lord's indicated Babar was the first player from the touring contingent to enter the nets.