Babar declared fit to lead Pakistan at Lord’s as team seeks turnaround

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been cleared to lead the side in the second Test against England at Lord’s on Thursday, promising to do his part as the team looks to recover from a defeat at Headingley that left them 0-1 down in the three-match series.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference at Lord’s on Wednesday, Babar said he is around 90 percent fit and has taken part in a couple of practice sessions since missing the opening Test. He had sat out the first match after aggravating a right-hand finger injury that originally occurred during the second Test against the West Indies and flared up during a practice game in Beckenham before the England series.

Selection, roles and team plans

Babar indicated the final playing eleven will be determined after a last look at the pitch following the team’s final practice. He noted the Headingley wicket behaved differently across days and said conditions at Lord’s will guide the combination, with Salman Ali Agha having been used as a second spinner in the squad.

On responsibility within the team, Babar stressed it is a collective task for both bowlers and batters to secure victory, responding to remarks from bowling coach Umar Gul that bowlers must take 20 wickets. He said senior players must lead by example and that batters need to bat long and build partnerships when wickets fall.

Specifically, Abdullah Shafique will remain at No. 3, as he does in domestic cricket, and wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan faces expectation rather than an undue burden, according to the captain. Babar also hinted at considering different combinations if needed to find a winning formula from the available 14 players.

Reflecting on the occasion of playing at Lord’s, Babar added: “it is an honor to be part of the team at Lord’s,” and pledged to give his full effort as both a batter and the leader of the side.