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Pakistan National Cricket Team captain Babar Azam has dropped a major update on his fitness ahead of the second Test against the England National Cricket Team, starting on August 27 at Lord’s.
The right-handed batter already missed the first Test against England in Leeds, where Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat of an innings and 103 runs. Now, the touring side couldn’t afford Babar missing the crucial second Test at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
Babar Azam provides update on participation in Lord's Test
Babar missed the first Test against England because of the finger injury on his right hand. However, the Pakistan captain has resumed practice, but he has kept his availability for the Lord’s Test in suspense. Babar said that he is not 100% fit to play at Lord’s.
Speaking at the press conference at Lord’s, Babar said, “I'm approximately 90% fit. After today’s practice, it will be decided whether I’m fit to play tomorrow’s match or not.”
“I’m is 90% fit” Babar Azam Press Conference ⬇️
— Abu Bakar Tarar (@abubakartarar_) August 26, 2026
Full press conference on yt Channel Abu Bakar Tarar … link in bio pic.twitter.com/FMqQ0FZbhl
Big boost for Pakistan as Babar Azam takes full net session
Earlier, Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul shared that Babar Azam could return for the second Test of the ongoing three-match Test series against England on Thursday (August 26) at Lord’s.
The coach revealed that Babar took part in a full batting session in the nets, facing fast bowlers, spinners, and throwdowns, giving the team hope that he will be fit to play at Lord’s.
Umar Gul said as quoted by the ICC, “Babar batted in the nets, faced fast bowlers, spinners, and throwdowns. We're hopeful he will be available for the game, and today he was looking good; he batted well in the nets. He had a full batting session.”
It could be a big boost for Pakistan if Babar returns for the Lord’s Test. He was Pakistan’s top run-scorer in their previous Test series against the West Indies, scoring 193 runs with two half-centuries. ENG vs PAK Playing 11 Today, Live Streaming, Pitch Report & Weather: England vs Pakistan 2nd Test, 2026.
Babar Azam's international record against England
Meanwhile, Babar Azam has an impressive record against England across all three formats of the game. In Tests, the right-hander has played eight matches and averages nearly 54, with a best score of 136 and six half-centuries to his name against England.
Babar has scored 854 runs in 20 ODI matches. His best score is an unbeaten 158 in the format. In T20Is, Babar averages more than 45 and has a strike rate of 139.22. His best score is an unbeaten 110, along with 15 sixes against England in the shorter format of the game.
Overall, Babar has played 47 international matches against England, scoring 2,185 runs with the help of four centuries and 15 fifties. His average of 48.56 shows how consistently he has performed against England across formats.
Notably, Babar has scored 3,437 runs in 41 ICC World Test Championship matches at an average of 49.1, with 8 hundreds and 22 fifties. The ongoing Test series in England is part of the WTC series.
