'90% fit': Babar Azam confirms availability for Lord's Test
Pakistan captain Babar Azam says he is nearing full fitness after a hand injury as the team prepares for the second Test against England at Lord’s. Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Babar said he had recovered around 90% and was continuing to train ahead of the match, which begins on August 27. “I had a couple of training sessions yesterday and, after this, I’m going for…
Pakistan captain Babar Azam has announced that he is nearing full fitness following a hand injury as the team gears up for the second Test against England at Lord’s. During a pre-match press conference, Babar stated that he has recovered approximately 90% and is continuing his training in preparation for the match, which is set to commence on August 27.
"After yesterday’s training sessions, I’m planning to have another practice session," he informed reporters, affirming his fit condition for the Lord’s Test scheduled to begin on Thursday. Babar was absent from Pakistan’s first Test defeat in Leeds due to a hand injury sustained while playing for a Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI in Beckenham.
The injury occurred when he was struck on the finger by a delivery from pacer Manny Lumsden during Pakistan’s first innings. He received medical attention and exited the field after scoring five runs off 17 balls. This marks the second hand-related incident Babar has faced in a month, following a similar injury during Pakistan’s Test series against the West Indies.
The Pakistan Cricket Board subsequently recommended that Babar take the rest of the warm-up fixture off to avoid further harm. The second Test will be held at Lord’s from August 27 to 31, with Pakistan aiming to turn the tide in the three-match away series.
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