LONDON: Pak vs Eng 2nd Test will begin at Lord’s on Thursday as Pakistan face England in the second match of the series, with captain Babar Azam set to return despite being 90% fit after a finger injury.
Babar missed the Pakistan vs England first Test at Headingley last week because of the injury. England won the first Test by an innings and 103 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the Pakistan vs England Test series.
However, Babar Azam’s return will strengthen Pakistan’s batting lineup. The captain has taken part in practice sessions at Lord’s ahead of the second Test.
“I am 90 percent fit for tomorrow’s match,” Babar told reporters on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, both teams completed intensive training sessions before the Lord’s Test. Pakistan will look to level the Pakistan England Test series after their heavy defeat in the opening match.
Pakistan also have a strong record at Lord’s. They defeated England at the venue in 2016 and 2018.
Babar said Pakistan had reviewed their mistakes from the first Test. He said the team often builds partnerships before losing wickets in quick succession.
“We have to learn from these mistakes,” Babar said. “We have these players, so everyone has to take responsibility, not just Rizwan.”
The captain also urged Pakistan’s batters to support the bowlers.
“It cannot happen that the bowlers take 20 wickets and the batters do nothing,” Babar said.
The Pakistan cricket team struggled with both bat and ball in the first Test, which ended before the third day.
Babar said the players had discussed their mistakes after the defeat and were determined to improve in the Pak vs Eng 2nd Test.
