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The Pakistan National Cricket Team has received a massive boost ahead of the second Test against the England National Cricket Team at Lord’s, as the regular captain and star batter Babar Azam has made a strong return to full-fledged training on Tuesday, August 25.
Babar had missed the opening Test at Headingley after injuring the middle finger of his right hand in the three-day practice game against Professional County Club Select XI. Before the fresh blow, the skipper had also injured his finger in the West Indies Test.
His absence was a major blow for the Pakistan National Cricket Team, which went on to suffer a heavy innings defeat under stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha. With Babar Azam now back in the nets, Pakistan have received fresh hope of making a strong comeback in the second Test. Earlier, Ramiz Raja picks top 5 Pakistan cricketers, snubs Babar Azam and Younis Khan.
Babar Azam back in full training as Pakistan receive huge boost ahead of the Lord’s Test
As reported by the Pakistani cricket correspondent Abu Bakar Tarar, Babar was the first player to walk into the nets during Tuesday’s practice session at Lord’s from the touring contingent. He took part in an intense training session as the team prepared for the Lord’s Test.
The biggest positive was that the skipper was seen without the protective bandage, suggesting that his recovery has progressed well. He appeared comfortable and showed no major signs of discomfort while training. He did not limit himself to batting practice.
The right-handed batter also worked hard during fielding drills and spent extra time practicing his throws. These drills allowed him to test the movement, strength, and overall response of his injured hand. The latest training session has suggested that Babar is close to full fitness.
🚨 BIG NEWS FROM LORD’S. 🇵🇰
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) August 25, 2026
- Babar Azam has started full-fledged training in the nets. pic.twitter.com/i5Ed5ryBUL
Babar Azam putting in the work, practicing his throws! pic.twitter.com/y2aipYh12d
— Abu Bakar Tarar (@abubakartarar_) August 25, 2026
Babar Azam is the first player from Pakistan to walk into the nets today with his full kit.
— Abu Bakar Tarar (@abubakartarar_) August 25, 2026
As I reported from Leeds, there is no bandage on his hand, which is a positive sign. He appears to be fully fit and ready for the second Test match. pic.twitter.com/PHy3QrGpCf
However, Babar’s availability for the Lord’s Test will depend on the team management and medical staff. Yet, his possible return could provide the batting line-up with much-needed experience and confidence as they look to level the Test series against England at Lord’s.
Stuart Broad demands Babar Azam’s return for Lord’s Test
Earlier, the former England fast bowler Stuart Broad said that Babar Azam should return for the second Test at Lord’s. He feels Babar’s experience and quality would be crucial for Pakistan at Lord’s. Amid this, Why Harmanpreet Kaur sees India-Pakistan as a different pressure game.
Broad said on the podcast ‘For The Love Of Cricket,' “Babar has to. He nearly did, as you know. He got ruled out the day before and was declared out of the Test match. Then he walked down those stairs from the changing room, fully kitted up in his whites, with his jacket and Pakistan cap, at toss time.”
Stuart Broad recalls funny Babar moment before Headingley Test
The Englishman also recalled seeing Babar fully dressed in his Pakistan Test kit just before the toss at Headingley, despite being ruled out of the match. He also recalled their funny and slightly awkward handshake before the Test between the two teams.
Broad signed off by saying, “I was at the bottom of the stairs, and we had an awkward handshake. You know, what do they call those ones instead of the normal handshake? I don't know. It's a minefield. That's the modern handshake. We had a modern handshake.”
