LONDON (Kashmir English): Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has resumed batting practice after recovering from a finger injury, which has brightened his chances of return in the second Test against England at Lord’s on August 27.
Bowling coach Umar Gul today told the media that Babar Azam could return for the second test as he participated in a positive training session and is recovering from a finger injury.
Azam had a long batting session in the indoor hall of Lord’s Cricket Ground along with a member of the coaching staff. A video of Babar Azam’s practice was also shared on Lord’s official social media account.
Umar Gul further said that Babar batted in the nets, faced fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns.
“We’re hopeful he will be available for the game, and today he was looking good; he batted well in the nets. He had a full batting session,” he added.
The skipper was struck on the right hand by a ball while batting on the second day of the three-day practice match at the Kent County Cricket Club on August 14, a few days before the first test, which he missed.
After the team doctor’s assessment and precautionary measures, Babar was advised to rest for the rest of the practice match, the PCB said in a prior statement.
Babar Azam’s return to the team can strengthen Pakistan’s batting line-up after a devastating batting collapse in the first test in Leeds. Pakistan faced an innings and 103 runs defeat. In his absence, Salman Ali Agha led the team.
The second Test match is set to be played at Lord’s Cricket Ground from August 27, while the third will begin on September 9 at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham.
Green Shirt’s record against England in London is positive as the team has won its last three Test matches against England, including victories at Lord’s in 2016 and 2018 and at The Oval in 2016.
Pakistan Test squad
Babar Azam (captain), Salman Ali Agha (to stand in as captain during Leeds Test), Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah
England squad
Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue
