London, August 26, 2026: Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has declared himself 90% fit for the second Test against England at Lord’s and vowed that the team will produce a markedly improved performance after a disappointing defeat in the opening match.
Speaking at a press conference at Lord’s on Wednesday, Babar said the team would assess the pitch before finalising its playing XI for the second Test, which begins on Thursday.
“We will look at the pitch today and then plan which final XI will be suitable,” Babar said, adding that the final combination would be decided after assessing the conditions.
Babar, who missed the first Test because of a finger injury, said he was confident about his fitness ahead of the crucial match.
“I am 90% fit for tomorrow’s match and for the rest of the series,” he said.
Pakistan were beaten by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test after a major batting collapse, and Babar acknowledged that the team had not performed to expectations.
“We did not play well in the first Test. We have discussed our shortcomings and are focusing on correcting them,” he said.
The Pakistan captain stressed that responsibility for the team’s performance rested with all players rather than individuals. He said the bowlers needed to take 20 wickets while the batters had to make meaningful contributions with the bat.
“No player is more important than another. We will use the best available players,” Babar said, adding that players who were struggling for form would continue to receive confidence and support from the team management.
He also rejected the notion that senior players carried an additional burden, saying their role was primarily to take responsibility and lead by example.
“Senior players do not have an extra burden, but they have responsibility. We have to step up and perform,” he said.
Babar also defended wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, saying responsibility for delivering results could not be placed on a single player.
“It is not only Rizwan’s responsibility. It is the responsibility of all of us to perform,” he said.
Addressing Pakistan’s batting problems, Babar acknowledged that the team had repeatedly lost wickets in quick succession after establishing partnerships. He said the issue had been identified and was being given particular attention ahead of the Lord’s Test.
“We have a problem of losing wickets in quick succession after building partnerships. We are focusing more on this weakness and will try to correct it,” he said.
Babar also backed Abdullah Shafique to continue batting at his current position, indicating that the team management remained confident in the opener despite his recent struggles.
The captain said Pakistan would also seek to maintain its strong record at Lord’s, while stressing that past performances would have little significance unless the team delivered on the field.
Pakistan’s bowling combination will also depend on the conditions. Babar noted that Salman Ali Agha had operated as the second spinner in the first Test, while the team would assess the Lord’s surface before making its final decision.
“We came here and saw the pitch. There is a little grass on it. Now we will see how the pitch reacts,” he said.
With England leading the three-Test series 1-0, Babar said Pakistan were determined to respond strongly at Lord’s and put the first-Test disappointment behind them.
“We will try to give a different performance in the next match,” he said.
