Babar Azam back, promises ‘different’ Pakistan will make ‘statement’ in Lord’s Test

Pakistan captain Babar Azam declared on Wednesday that he is "90 per cent fit" as he prepares to lead his team in the upcoming second Test against England at Lord's. Last week's first Test of the three-match series saw the tourists suffer a significant defeat, losing by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley under Azam's captaincy, with the English team now leading the series 1-0.

The 31-year-old Azam suffered a finger injury during a warm-up match, which further aggravated due to an earlier injury sustained during Pakistan's tour of the West Indies. However, he has been back to the nets in the last 48 hours, and he now appears set to bolster a Pakistan side that was dismissed for mere 171 and 135 in Leeds when the second Test commences on Thursday.

Azam informed a pre-match press conference at Lord's that he is "90 per cent fit" for the match tomorrow. He emphasized the significance of leading the Pakistan team at Lord's, stating that it is an honor for him and promising his best performance, whether on the field as a captain or batting. Azam acknowledged that England's performance in the first Test was commendable and expressed his team's determination to improve, believing in themselves, and playing good cricket.

In case Azam returns at number four, Pakistan might consider shifting Azan Awais to open the batting, with Shan Masood or Abdullah Shafique replacing him. Additionally, Pakistan could experiment with their bowling lineup, introducing 20-year-old Ubaid Shah to provide pace to their attack, which has lacked in the recent matches. Consequently, this could leave Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali competing for the remaining spot, with Mohammad Abbas being the most dependable of Pakistan's pacemen at Headingley, while Ali Usman, fresh from his maiden Test five-wicket haul, could also find a place in the team.