London, August 25, 2026: Pakistan captain Babar Azam is in contention to return for the second Test against England at Lord’s after completing a positive batting session as he continues his recovery from a finger injury, bowling coach Umar Gul said on Tuesday.
Babar, who injured his finger during the series against the West Indies before aggravating the problem after being struck during Pakistan’s warm-up match at Beckenham, missed the opening Test, which England won by an innings and 103 runs.
Gul said Babar faced fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns during an extended net session and appeared to be progressing well ahead of the second Test.
“Babar batted in the nets, faced fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns,” Gul told reporters. “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.”
Babar’s potential return would provide a major boost to Pakistan’s batting line-up after a disappointing performance in the opening Test at Headingley, where England dismissed the visitors twice in fewer than 86 overs.
Pakistan were bowled out for 119 in their first innings before being dismissed for 118 in the second, suffering a heavy defeat as England took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The Pakistan captain had been in strong form in the preceding series against the West Indies, emerging as the team’s leading run-scorer with 193 runs, including two half-centuries.
Earlier on Tuesday, Lord’s Cricket Ground also shared footage on its official X account showing Babar batting in the indoor nets with a member of Pakistan’s coaching staff.
The second Test is scheduled to begin at Lord’s on Thursday, with Pakistan looking to level the series after their comprehensive defeat in the opener.
A fully fit Babar would strengthen Pakistan’s top order and offer the visitors much-needed experience as they seek to respond to England’s dominant start to the series.
