Pakistan captain Babar Azam has called on senior players to take responsibility and lead from the front as the national side prepares for the must-win second Test against England at Lord’s from August 27 to 31.
Pakistan suffered a crushing innings-and-103-run defeat in the opening Test, which Babar missed, leaving the visitors needing a strong response to stay alive in the three-match series.
The Green Shirts had entered the England series after drawing their away series against the West Indies 1-1. Their heavy defeat in the first Test, however, drew widespread criticism over the team’s batting and bowling performances.
Pakistan will take some confidence from their recent record at Lord’s, having won their last two Tests at the iconic venue. The third and final Test of the series will be played in Birmingham next month.
The visitors are also set to receive a major boost with Babar reaching “90 percent” fitness ahead of the second Test.
Speaking before the match, Babar stressed that experienced players must take greater responsibility, particularly when the team finds itself under pressure.
His remarks came amid scrutiny of wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who has scored 94 runs in six innings since his half-century against Bangladesh in May.
Babar Azam dismissed suggestions that Rizwan was carrying any additional burden but acknowledged that senior players have a greater responsibility to perform.
“Look, there is no such burden [on Rizwan] but responsibility as a senior player because being the senior players, it is our responsibility,” Babar said.
He added that while emerging players should showcase their potential, senior members of the side must step up and help the team recover from difficult situations.
Pakistan’s fast-bowling attack has also come under criticism after struggling in the opening Test. Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Ali collectively managed five wickets while conceding 300 runs.
Babar Azam, however, insisted that the responsibility should not fall solely on the bowlers, saying the entire playing XI must contribute.
“Responsibility has to be collectively pursued by the entire playing XI; it is not just that the bowlers have to take 20 wickets; batsmen are also supposed to score runs,” he said.
The Pakistan captain highlighted the importance of building partnerships in English conditions, particularly in batting, where he said established batters must look to extend partnerships because new batters can find it difficult to settle.
Pakistan is yet to finalize their playing XI for the Lord’s Test, with Babar saying the final combination will be decided after assessing the pitch.
He indicated that major changes are unlikely and said Salman Ali Agha remains Pakistan’s second spin option. Pakistan played three fast bowlers and one frontline spinner in the first Test to strengthen their batting depth.
“We will see the final look of the pitch and will then decide which [playing] XI would be suitable here,” Babar said.
The captain also confirmed that in-form Abdullah Shafique will continue batting at No. 3, noting that he plays in the same position in domestic cricket and has looked comfortable there since returning to the side.
Babar Azam also responded to criticism surrounding Pakistan following their heavy defeat, insisting that the team has often produced its best cricket when under pressure.
“Whenever we face a situation like this, we step up as a team. We play a different brand of cricket, and this time, you’ll see something different from us,” he said.
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