Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been declared fit to lead the Green Shirts in the second Test against England at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Thursday, with Pakistan trailing 1-0 in the three-match series. Speaking at the pre-match press conference at Lord’s on Wednesday, Babar confirmed that he is available for the second Test and the remainder of the series. The Pakistan skipper said he is around 90 per cent fit and has already taken part in a couple of training sessions.
Babar missed the opening Test against England after suffering a finger injury to his right hand. The injury was initially sustained during the second Test against the West Indies and was aggravated during Pakistan’s practice match in Beckenham ahead of the three-Test series. Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has said that the national team will look different in the Lord’s Test.
He said the final XI had not yet been decided and that the final selection would be made after assessing the pitch. On team selection, he said the responsibility for winning a match does not rest solely with the bowlers. According to Babar, Pakistan need to play as a team and build partnerships in England. The players who are best suited to the team’s needs will be selected.
Babar said that players who are in form will be retained, while those who are struggling for form need to be given confidence. He added that there is no additional pressure on senior player Mohammad Rizwan, although he does have a responsibility to the team. The captain admitted that Pakistan had failed to perform to their usual standard in the previous match but said he had worked on his mistakes. He added that the team moves forward as a unit during difficult times.
Babar explained that Salman Ali Agha had been the second spin option in the previous match. In his absence, Pakistan strengthened their batting lineup. He said Pakistan would be a different team at Lord’s. Playing at the historic venue is always an honour, and Babar said he would try to perform at his best both as captain and as a player.
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