Pakistan sweat on Babar Azam’s fitness as England replace Carse ahead of second Test

England head to Lord’s with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after dismantling Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs inside three days at Headingley. The result was so one-sided that sections of the English media were quick to label this Pakistan side as the country’s “worst” Test team.

Can Lord’s offer Pakistan a way back?

Pakistan have struggled at Headingley before. In 2018, they were also beaten convincingly at the seamer-friendly venue, but they had beaten England at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in the same series.

Pakistan can draw further confidence from the shift to London. Historically, Lord’s and The Oval have been their most successful venues in England, accounting for 10 of Pakistan’s 13 Test victories in the country.

The conditions could also be different from those at Headingley. After a hot and dry summer in southern England, Pakistan will hope Lord’s produces a surface that offers more assistance to their spinners.

Against the West Indies, Pakistan lost the opening Test on a pace-friendly surface before winning the second on a track that offered more for spin.

But history and conditions will only help if Pakistan produce significantly better cricket.

Will Babar Azam return at Lord’s?

That is the biggest question surrounding Pakistan’s XI.

Babar missed the Headingley Test after suffering another blow to his right hand during a warm-up match. Now, all eyes will be on his fitness ahead of the second Test.

Pakistan is due to train at Lord’s on Tuesday, with Babar expected to bat in the session before the team management makes a final assessment of his fitness. If he is cleared, his return would be a major boost to a batting lineup that struggled badly at Headingley.

Babar has also historically performed well against England, averaging close to 54 against them in Tests, while his Test average in England is 65.75.

Who could make way for Babar?

Babar’s return would create an immediate selection dilemma.

If he comes back into the XI, Pakistan may need to reshuffle the top order, potentially leaving either Shan Masood or Abdullah Shafique to open. Azan Awais or Imam-ul-Haq could also be vulnerable after an underwhelming first Test.

Could Pakistan pick two spinners?

The Lord’s pitch will be another major selection factor.

If the surface looks dry, Pakistan could make the unconventional call of playing two specialist spinners, bringing Sajid Khan into the XI alongside their other spin option.

The pace attack will also need more from Mohammad Abbas. With extensive experience of English conditions, Abbas will be expected to use his knowledge more effectively against an England batting lineup that scored freely in Leeds.

What does Brydon Carse’s absence mean for England?

Brydon Carse has been removed from the squad after the ECB referred an incident in Derby to the Cricket Regulator for investigation. Videos circulating online appeared to show the fast bowler in handcuffs outside a venue, although reports said he was not arrested and was released without charge.

Carse did not play at Headingley after returning to Durham for a County Championship fixture, but he was originally part of England’s squad for the first two Tests.

He has now been replaced by Sonny Baker, who is back in contention for his second Test appearance.

The change may not dramatically weaken England, particularly after their dominant performance in Leeds, but it does remove another pace option from Joe Root’s selection.

The second Test begins at Lord’s on August 27, with Pakistan needing a response to keep the series alive.