LONDON, England: Pakistan captain Babar Azam set the tone for a must-win Lord’s Test against England, insisting that his side thrives under pressure despite entering the clash trailing 1-0 after a humiliating innings defeat at Headingley.
Declaring himself “90 per cent fit,” Babar called on senior players to shoulder responsibility and lead by example as Pakistan fight to keep the three-match series alive at cricket’s most historic venue.
Senior players must step up, says captain
Speaking on Wednesday at Lord’s, Babar emphasised that the burden of performance must be shared across the entire playing XI rather than falling on individual shoulders. His remarks came amid mounting criticism of experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who has managed just 94 runs in six innings since his half-century against Bangladesh i
Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s pre-match press conference at Lord’s | Pakistan vs England, 2nd Test#ENGvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/L5DpeY86ND
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) August 26, 2026
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“Look, there is no such burden [on Rizwan] but responsibility as a senior player because being the senior players, it is our responsibility,” Babar stated. “Yes, emerging cricketers are coming through, and they should showcase their potential, but it is our responsibility to step up and perform and pull the team out of different situations.”
The Pakistan captain dismissed suggestions that Rizwan was under undue pressure, instead framing the challenge as an opportunity for the team’s experienced core to prove their worth. Babar, who has achieved “90 per cent” fitness ahead of the crucial fixture, made it clear that he too accepts full accountability for the team’s performances.
Bowling attack not solely responsible
Pakistan’s fast bowling trio of Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali struggled for pace and impact in the series opener, collectively managing just five wickets for 300 runs. However, Babar insisted that the bowling attack could not be held solely responsible, stressing that batters must also shoulder the burden.
“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. So, I believe, you have to perform as a team, especially in England,” Babar remarked.
“Whether it is batting or bowling, you have to stitch good partnerships and take them deeper, particularly in batting because it is easier for a set batter but difficult for a new one to build a partnership.”
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BABAR AZAM IN TODAY’S PRACTICE SESSION.😍 [Cricinfo]
– He is coming to rule 🫡 🙇 #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/cxUwGrlikD
— Rana Ahmad. (@AhmadRana056) August 26, 2026
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When asked about potential changes to the lineup, Babar indicated that the final XI would be determined after a close analysis of the Lord’s pitch. He confirmed that in-form batter Abdullah Shafique would continue to bat at No. 3, a position where he has shown confidence and consistency.
“We will see the final look of the pitch and will then decide which XI would be suitable here,” Babar explained. “Second spin option for us is Salman Ali Agha. We fielded three pacers and one frontline spinner in the first Test in order to increase the depth of our batting. We will try to pick the best-possible XI according to the conditions.”
Pakistan will draw confidence from their recent record at Lord’s, having won their last two Tests at the iconic venue. The visitors must extend that encouraging run to stay alive in the series, with the final fixture scheduled in Birmingham next month.
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Team thrives when counted out
Addressing the widespread criticism that followed the Headingley defeat, Babar asserted that Pakistan have historically responded best when counted out. The captain expressed confidence that his side would produce a fighting performance at the Home of Cricket.
“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,” Babar declared.
Read Also: Babar Azam Must Return for Lord’s Test: Stuart Broad
The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 27 at Lord’s, with Pakistan desperate to level the series and keep their hopes alive. Babar’s leadership, the senior players’ response, and the collective performance of the team will be under intense scrutiny as the Green Shirts aim to silence their critics on cricket’s most historic stage.
