Pakistan’s second Test against England at Lord’s has placed renewed attention on Babar Azam’s fitness and his role in rescuing a fragile batting lineup after the visitors’ bowlers reduced England to 248 for nine on a shortened opening day.
Babar missed the Headingley Test after aggravating a finger injury during a practice match. The Pakistan Cricket Board and ICC reported before the Lord’s match that the former captain had resumed batting in the nets and was considered close to returning.
His availability matters because Pakistan entered the series under pressure after losing the first Test by an innings and 103 runs. The team also changed its leadership structure for the opener, with Salman Ali Agha becoming Pakistan’s 36th Test captain before Babar was expected to resume the captaincy for the second match.
Pakistan’s immediate advantage at Lord’s has come from its pace attack rather than its batting. Mohammad Abbas took four wickets, Mohammad Ali claimed three and Khurram Shahzad added one as England reached 248 for nine in only 56 overs after rain delayed the start.
England’s middle and lower order still produced resistance. Jordan Cox made 55 and Jamie Smith scored 61, while Gus Atkinson finished unbeaten on 34. Pakistan must now complete the innings and build a total strong enough to prevent England from dictating terms again.
Babar’s return would give Pakistan a major experience and run-scoring boost, but the latest scoreline also makes the timing of his comeback important. The visitors need stability at the top of the order after their first-Test collapse, while England will look to use the Lord’s surface and scoreboard pressure to reclaim control.
