Good news before Lord's Test, Babar Azam is returning from injury

The series has started off disappointingly for Pakistan. Pakistan lost to England by an innings in the first Test at Headingley, that too in just three days. The team that lacked rhythm in batting has now received some relief news before the Lord's Test - Test captain Babar Azam is ready to return to the playing XI after recovering from an injury.

According to cricket-based media outlet Cricinfo, Babar has returned to practice for the second Test after recovering from a finger injury. After getting injured during the West Indies tour, he injured his finger again in Pakistan's warm-up match at Beckenham.

However, the batsman has now fully returned to practice. The team's bowling coach Umar Gul said that Babar had a full batting session against pacers, spinners and throw-downs in the nets. According to him, Pakistan is optimistic about Babar's match performance.

Pakistan's batting was a big concern in the Headingley Test. In the two innings, England's bowlers took 20 wickets of Pakistan in less than 86 overs. In such a situation, Babar's return can bring a big change in the team's batting lineup. Azan Awais may have to drop out of the XI to make way for him.

Babar was the highest run-scorer for Pakistan in the last Test series against the West Indies. He scored 193 runs in two Tests with the help of two fifties, getting out only twice.

Babar's record on English soil is also quite good. He scored three fifties in six innings, with a batting average of 65.75. And his average against England in 14 innings is 53.83; he scored fifty or more runs seven times.

Babar will take the field as captain when he returns to Lord's. He was made Pakistan's Test captain again before the West Indies series. This is the first time he will get the opportunity to lead Pakistan on English soil.

Pakistan will face a tough challenge to turn around after the big loss at Headingley. It remains to be seen how much difference Babar's return can make for the team in that fight.