Babar Azam is cleared to play and lead his team in the second Test match against England at Lord’s on 27 August 2026. The 31-year-old batsman recovered from a right-hand finger injury that forced him to miss the opening game of the three-match series in Leeds.
The Pakistan captain completed successful batting sessions in the indoor nets on Tuesday to prove his match fitness. His return boosts Pakistan’s confidence after England secured a dominant innings victory in the first Test.
How Babar Azam Got Injured and His Recovery
Babar Azam sustained a finger injury during Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies. He then aggravated the injury when a ball struck his middle finger during a warm-up match against the County Select XI in Beckenham. The injury ruled him out of the first Test at Headingley, which Pakistan lost inside three days. Scans showed no fracture in his finger, and recent training sessions showed no visible bandages, swelling, or pain.
According to bowling coach Umar Gul, Babar took part in a full batting session in the nets on 25 August. Babar returned to the nets to face more throwdowns following his press conference on 26 August. Pakistan’s medical staff cleared the captain after monitoring his fitness and progress during these sessions.
Babar spoke to reporters on Wednesday and expressed confidence in his fitness. “I have had a couple of practice sessions again and I am 90 per cent fit for the match tomorrow and the rest of the series,” Babar said. He added that he feels honoured to lead the Pakistan side at Lord’s.
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Who Will Babar Azam Replace in the Batting Order
Babar’s return to the number four batting slot will cause a reshuffle at the top of the order. Left-handed opening batsman Azan Awais will likely lose his place in the playing eleven. Awais struggled on the seaming decks of England, scoring only nine runs in his two innings at Headingley.
With Awais dropping out, Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq will likely open the batting. Abdullah Shafique, who batted at number four in Leeds and scored 76 runs, will move to number three. Babar will slot into his regular position at number four. Babar confirmed that Shafique will continue to bat in the top order. “He has got confidence there so he will continue there,” Babar stated.
Pakistan has not yet finalised their playing eleven as the team management waits to assess the Lord’s pitch conditions. Bowling coach Umar Gul warned that the team must improve across all areas. “If you want to win a Test match, you have to perform in all departments. One cannot be carrying the other,” Gul said. He emphasised that the bowlers bear a heavy responsibility, stating that Pakistan cannot win without taking 20 wickets.
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Pakistan Looking to Bounce Back at Lord’s
Pakistan enters the second Test trailing 1-0 in the three-match series after a heavy defeat in Leeds. England comprehensively outplayed Pakistan’s batting unit at Headingley, winning the match by an innings and 103 runs.
England bowled the visitors out for just 171 runs in their first innings, with Abdullah Shafique scoring the only half-century. England then responded with a massive first-innings total of 409 runs. In the second innings, England dismissed Pakistan for 135 runs in just 37.3 overs.
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