Babar Azam's return to the Lord's Test is almost certain

Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam's return to the team ahead of the second Test against England at Lord's is almost certain.

According to national team bowling coach Umar Gul, Babar Azam batted well in the net session after recovering from injury and his performance was encouraging.

Babar Azam had suffered a finger injury during the series against West Indies, while the pain had worsened after being hit by a ball on his finger again during a practice match in Beckenham. However, two days before the Lord's Test, he had a full batting session facing fast bowlers, spinners and throw-downs.

Umar Gul said that Babar Azam batted well in the nets and looked completely confident. The team hopes that he will be available for the second Test.

Babar's possible return is a big relief for Pakistan's batting line-up as the national team's batting was extremely disappointing in the first Test played in Leeds and England dismissed Pakistan in less than 86 overs in both innings.

Earlier, Babar Azam was Pakistan's highest run-scorer in the series against the West Indies. He scored 193 runs with the help of two half-centuries.

Babar Azam was reappointed as captain ahead of the West Indies series. If he returns for the Lord's Test, he will lead the national team as captain on English soil for the first time, which has increased the importance of his return.