Babar Azam eyes return for second Test against England at Lord's

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has provided a significant boost to his side's preparations for the second Test against England at Lord's, confirming he is nearing a return to the playing XI. The skipper was sidelined for the series opener due to a finger injury, a match that resulted in a heavy innings defeat for the tourists.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming clash, Babar revealed he is approximately 90 percent fit and has already resumed batting practice in the nets. His potential inclusion comes at a critical juncture for Pakistan, who must secure a positive result at Lord's to keep their hopes alive in the three-match series.

Babar also addressed the need for accountability within the ranks, emphasizing that senior players must step up to lead by example. While he stressed the importance of backing the current squad to maintain confidence, he acknowledged that the team management would not hesitate to consider changes if individual performances continue to fall short after players have been given sufficient opportunities. He specifically defended Mohammad Rizwan, noting that the burden of performance should be shared across the senior leadership group rather than resting on one individual.

The management is weighing the possibility of fielding two spinners, with Salman Ali Agha identified as a potential option to bolster the spin department. However, Babar confirmed that the final XI will only be confirmed following a final inspection of the pitch shortly before the toss. The return of the captain would provide a much-needed lift for a Pakistan side eager to bounce back from their disappointing performance at Leeds.