Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has backed Babar Azam to return to Pakistan’s playing XI for the second Test at Lord’s.
Broad said Pakistan’s batting looked fragile without Babar during the opening Test against England at Headingley.
Babar missed the first Test after suffering a finger injury during Pakistan’s three-day practice match against the PCC Select XI in Beckenham.
Pakistan struggled without its star batter and eventually suffered a heavy defeat. England won the match by an innings and 103 runs.
Speaking on a recent podcast with former England captain Jos Buttler, Broad said Pakistan badly needs Babar’s experience and quality in its batting lineup.
“I’m sure he’ll come back in at Lord’s. They have to bring him back,” Broad said while discussing Pakistan’s batting struggles.
The former England pacer described Pakistan’s batting group as very fragile. He also called Babar the team’s best player.
Broad’s comments come ahead of the second Test at Lord’s, where Pakistan will look to bounce back after its disappointing performance at Headingley.
Babar’s absence was a major talking point before the opening Test. The batter had been ruled out after sustaining a bruised hand during the practice match.
However, Babar briefly caused confusion before the toss when he appeared from the changing room wearing the full Pakistan Test kit.
Broad recalled seeing Babar walking down the stairs in his whites, jacket and Pakistan cap shortly before the match began.
The former England bowler initially thought Babar might have recovered and was preparing to participate in the toss.
Broad also recalled an amusing exchange between the two players. He described their greeting as an “awkward” modern handshake.
The confusion increased because Babar had already been ruled out of the Test. Broad later realised that the Pakistan batter was not heading out for the toss.
Instead, Babar had appeared for the captain’s photograph with the trophy. He was not involved in the match because of his bruised hand.
Broad said commentator Ian Ward also briefly suggested on air that Babar might have been about to play.
The former England pacer explained that Babar was only present for the captain’s trophy photograph. His absence from the playing XI was therefore confirmed.
Pakistan’s heavy defeat has increased pressure on the team ahead of the Lord’s Test. The batting unit struggled to handle England’s bowling attack during the opening match.
Babar’s potential return could provide Pakistan with additional experience and stability. His presence would also strengthen the middle order against England.
The second Test at Lord’s will give Pakistan an opportunity to level the series. Babar’s fitness and selection are expected to remain among the key talking points before the match.
Also read: Babar Azam’s First England Test Participation in Doubt
