LONDON: Pakistan are reportedly set to welcome back captain Babar Azam for the second Test against England at Lord’s, with the team management expected to make two changes to the playing XI.
The second Test of the three-match series is scheduled to begin at Lord’s today, with Pakistan looking to bounce back after suffering a heavy innings and 103-run defeat in the series opener at Headingley.
Babar missed the opening Test after sustaining a bruised hand during Pakistan’s practice match against the Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI in Beckenham.
In his absence, Salman Ali Agha led the side, but Pakistan struggled with the bat and were bowled out for 171 in the first innings before managing only 135 in the second.
According to reports, Babar has now regained full fitness and has been cleared to return to the playing XI.
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The Pakistan captain’s comeback is likely to come at the expense of Saud Shakeel, who endured a difficult outing at Headingley. The left-hander scored just five and 14 in the two innings and could make way for Babar in the middle order.
The other expected change could see young fast bowler Ubaid Shah return to the Test side. Ubaid, who made his Test debut against the West Indies in Port of Spain earlier this year, is reportedly in line to replace either Khurram Shahzad or Mohammad Ali.
Shahzad claimed three wickets but conceded 133 runs in the opening Test, while Mohammad Ali managed just one wicket for 89 runs.
Babar, however, indicated on Wednesday that Pakistan would wait until assessing the Lord’s surface before finalising their combination.
The right-hander said the team would select players according to its requirements and focus on making the most of the available options, while also backing players who have struggled for form.
