Web Desk: The toss for the second Test between Pakistan and England at Lords is delayed by adverse weather on Thursday, with both teams awaiting improved conditions before the match gets underway.
The weather disruption comes as Pakistan prepare to respond to a heavy defeat in the series opener at Headingley, where England won by an innings and 103 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series.
Pakistan will also welcome back captain Babar Azam, who expects to return after missing the first Test because of a finger injury.
Azam said he was confident of taking part after completing two practice sessions in the nets during the past two days.
“I’m 90 per cent fit for the match tomorrow,” Azam said at a pre-match news conference at Lord’s.
The 31-year-old was struck on the glove during a warm-up game, aggravating a finger problem he had suffered during Pakistan’s recent tour of the West Indies.
His return could provide a significant boost to a Pakistan batting order that struggled badly in Leeds. The visitors were dismissed for 171 in their first innings and then folded for 135 in the second.
Azam said Pakistan had reviewed their shortcomings from the opening Test and were determined to produce a stronger performance at Lord’s.
“We were not playing up to our mark,” he said, while acknowledging England’s strong performance.
If Azam returns at No. 4, Azan Awais could make way from the XI, while Shan Masood or Abdullah Shafique could move up the order to open.
Azam brings considerable experience in English conditions. He has scored three half-centuries in six Test innings in England and averages 65.75 in those outings.
He also led Pakistan’s batting during the recent two-Test series in the West Indies, scoring 193 runs in a drawn campaign.
The captain said leading Pakistan at Lord’s remained a privilege and vowed to contribute both with the bat and in the field.
Pakistan could make changes to their bowling combination as they seek greater pace after struggling to contain England in the first Test.
Twenty-year-old fast bowler Ubaid Shah is among the players being considered and could add extra speed to the attack.
His possible inclusion could leave Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali competing for one place.
Mohammad Abbas was Pakistan’s most dependable fast bowler at Headingley, while left-arm spinner Ali Usman enters the match with confidence after claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
England head into the second Test with momentum after dominating Pakistan in Leeds, but the visitors will hope Azam’s return and potential changes to their lineup can revive their campaign.
Pakistan need a markedly improved batting display to prevent England from taking an unassailable 2-0 lead, while England will look to maintain the intensity that earned them a commanding victory in the opener.
With the weather threatening to delay the start, attention will first turn to conditions at Lord’s before the two captains can conduct the toss and begin the next chapter of the series.
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