Pakistan is set to lock horns with England in the second Test match at the Lord's Cricket Ground in the City of Westminster.
Ahead of the match, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/t20-world-cup-2026-ricky-ponting-speaks-about-babar-azam-knock-against-netherlands-23615816" rel="nofollow">Pakistan's Test captain Babar Azam</a> is set to make his return in the playing XI. He was seen batting during the net session following a finger injury in the previous month.
According to Cricinfo, Pakistan's bowling coach Umar Gul said that the right-handed batsman completed a full batting session during the practice and looked in fine touch while facing fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns.
"Babar batted in the nets, faced fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns," Gul said, as per Cricinfo. "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," said Gul.
Earlier, the 31-year-old cricketer sustained an injury to his finger during the series against the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/pak-vs-wi-2nd-test-i-want-to-make-home-our-fortress-roston-chase-ahead-of-series-decider-23642720" rel="nofollow">West Indies</a> in the Caribbean last month. In the ongoing series against the "Three Lions", Babar's return would provide a major boost to Pakistan's batting. The team's batting line-up was seen struggling against the English bowlers in the first Test match at Headingley. England bowled Pakistan out twice in less than 86 overs as the visitors suffered a heavy defeat.
He was Pakistan's leading run-scorer in the preceding series against the West Indies, scoring 193 runs at an average of 96.50, including two half-centuries.
The experienced batter is expected to resume the captaincy after being reappointed to the role ahead of the West Indies series. It will also be his first Test as Pakistan captain in <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/root-names-stephen-flemings-appointment-as-key-factor-in-test-captaincy-return-23642821" rel="nofollow">England</a>.
His return is likely to result in a reshuffle at the top of the order, with Azan Awais expected to make way. Either Shan Masood or Abdullah Shafique could move up to open, allowing Babar to slot into his familiar No. 4 position.
Babar has a strong record in England, averaging 65.75 in six innings, with three half-centuries. Against England overall, he averages 53.83 in 14 innings, having registered either a fifty or a century in seven of those outings.
<h2>PAK vs ENG 2nd Test: Match's dates</h2>
Currently, England is leading the three-match <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/ind-vs-sl-2nd-test-sonal-dinusha-departs-after-ton-team-india-bowl-out-sri-lanka-for-290-runs-on-day-4-23646710" rel="nofollow">Test</a> series by 1-0 against Pakistan. The second Test match will be played from August 27 to 31 at the Lord's Cricket Ground.
(With ANI Inputs)

PAK vs ENG 2nd Test: Babar Azam is set to make his return in playing XI. He was seen batting during the net session following a finger injury in previous month

PAK vs ENG 2nd Test: Major boost for Pakistan as Babar Azam set to return for Lord's clash

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Ahead of the match, Pakistan's Test captain Babar Azam is set to make his return in the playing XI. He was seen batting during the net session following a finger injury in the previous month.

PAK vs ENG 2nd Test: Babar Azam set to return for Pakistan ahead of Lord's clash

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