Pakistan captain Babar Azam is hopeful of returning for the second Test against England at Lord’s after missing the series opener with a finger injury.He said he is around 90% fit and has already batted in the nets.Pakistan lost the first Test by an innings and need a strong response to stay alive in the three-match series.
Babar expects a different Pakistan
Babar believes Pakistan can bounce back despite their poor start and said the team has often responded well when written off.“We as a team have this ability to make a statement when we are written off and I think you will see a different side at Lords which historically has been a good ground for us,” Babar said.He also said the senior players, including himself, must take greater responsibility, while leaving the door open for changes if players fail to perform after getting enough chances.“These are our best players and we have to back them to give them confidence but even I believe that if someone doesn’t perform despite chances then one must think about changes,” he added.Babar stressed that the pressure should not be placed only on Mohammad Rizwan, saying all senior players are expected to deliver.
Pakistan wait on pitch before final call
Babar said Pakistan were still unsure about the playing conditions at Lord’s and would decide their final XI only after inspecting the pitch before the toss.“There is grass on the pitch but we have to see how it eventually plays out.”The possibility of playing two spinners is also being considered, with Salman Ali Agha an option as the second spinner. However, Pakistan will make the final decision after taking another look at the surface.Babar’s return would provide a major boost to a Pakistan side looking to recover from their heavy defeat at Leeds.
