Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2026: Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan Look to Level Series
The Pakistan vs England 2nd Test begins tomorrow at Lord's, with Pakistan looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat in the opening Test. The biggest news ahead of the match is the return of Pakistan captain and star batter Babar Azam.
Babar missed the first Test at Headingley after suffering a finger injury, but the Pakistan captain has now declared himself fit for the second Test and the remainder of the series. He said he had reached around 90% recovery and was confident of playing at Lord's.
Babar Azam Returns for the Lord's Test
Babar Azam's return is the biggest boost for Pakistan ahead of the second Test. The batter missed the Headingley opener after aggravating a finger injury during a practice match at Beckenham. The injury had originally been sustained during Pakistan's tour of the West Indies.
After returning to training, Babar completed batting sessions against fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns. Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul said Babar looked good during the session and that the team was hopeful he would be available for the Lord's Test.
Babar Azam said on August 26 that he is approximately 90% recovered from his hand injury and is fit for tomorrow's match and the remainder of the series.
England Lead the Series 1–0
England enter the second Test with a 1–0 lead after producing a dominant performance in the opening match at Headingley.
England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs, wrapping up the match before tea on the third day. Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in their first innings and then dismissed for just 135 in the second.
Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson were particularly effective with the ball, each finishing with eight wickets in the match. Joe Root also began his latest spell as England Test captain with a convincing victory.
Pakistan Need a Major Response at Lord's
Pakistan's batting performance in the first Test will be the biggest concern heading into Lord's. The visitors were dismissed twice in fewer than 86 overs, giving England complete control of the match.
Babar's return therefore comes at a crucial time. His experience and record in England could provide Pakistan with the stability they lacked at Headingley. The ICC notes that Babar averages 65.75 in six Test innings in England and has scored three half-centuries there.
Babar Azam's Record Against England
Babar has also enjoyed strong numbers against England in Test cricket. Across 14 innings against England, he averages 53.83, with a century and six fifties. He was also Pakistan's leading run-scorer in their recent Test series against the West Indies, scoring 193 runs at an average of 96.50.
England Aim to Seal the Series at Lord's
England will enter the second Test as favourites after their emphatic performance in Leeds. A victory at Lord's would give England an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.
Joe Root's side is expected to retain much of the winning combination from the first Test. However, England will not underestimate Pakistan, particularly with Babar expected to return. Root has acknowledged the quality within Pakistan's squad and expects the visitors to raise their level at Lord's.
Pakistan vs England 2nd Test: Match Details
Pakistan vs England 2nd Test Playing XI
Babar Azam is expected to return to Pakistan's playing XI and resume the captaincy after missing the first Test. The final playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss on Thursday.
Pakistan may therefore make changes to the batting order to accommodate Babar, while England are expected to retain a strong bowling attack after their success at Headingley.
Babar Azam has confirmed his availability, but the official playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss.
What to Watch at Lord's
All eyes will be on Babar Azam when he walks out for his first Test appearance in England since returning as Pakistan's Test captain.
Pakistan's top order will also face another major challenge against England's seam attack. The hosts' bowlers were outstanding at Headingley, and Pakistan will need a much more disciplined batting performance to stay competitive.
For England, the objective is straightforward: win at Lord's and secure the three-match series with a Test to spare.
Pakistan vs England 2nd Test Schedule
Can Pakistan Level the Series?
Pakistan have a difficult task ahead after their heavy defeat at Headingley, but Babar Azam's return gives the visitors an important boost.
England need only one more victory to take an unassailable 2–0 series lead, while Pakistan must produce a significantly improved performance to keep the three-Test contest alive.
With Babar back, the spotlight will be firmly on Pakistan when the second Test begins at Lord's on August 27.