Babar Azam Likely Fit for Second Test Against England

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has given fans a major boost by taking part in practice ahead of the second day of the ongoing first Test against England in Leeds. The right-hander missed this match after injuring his finger during a warm-up fixture, but his latest session suggests he is close to full fitness.

Azam was seen throwing the ball during practice with no protective strapping on his injured finger, and he showed no visible signs of discomfort. This has led to growing optimism that he will be available for the second Test, scheduled to start at Lord's on August 27. With a full week to recover, and the medical staff monitoring him closely, a return appears increasingly likely.

The team has certainly felt his absence. After being bowled out for a modest 171 in the first innings, Pakistan's batting lineup looked short of confidence without their leader. Azam had recently regained form in the West Indies series, scoring 193 runs across four innings, including a near-hundred when he was run out for 88. His return would bring both stability and experience to the middle order.