Babar Azam Vows Different Pakistan Team for Lord’s Test
LONDON: Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has promised a stronger and more competitive performance from his side in the upcoming Lord’s Test, saying the national team will look different when it takes the field.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in London, Babar said the final playing XI had not yet been decided and that the team management would make the final call after assessing the pitch.
“We have not finalised the playing XI yet. We will look at the pitch and then make the final decision,” Babar said.
The Pakistan captain stressed that winning a Test match was not the responsibility of bowlers alone, insisting that every player must contribute to the team’s success.
“In England, you have to play as a team and build partnerships. We will select the players who are best for the team,” he said.
Babar added that players currently in good form would be backed, while those struggling for runs or wickets also needed confidence and support from the team management.
Commenting on Mohammad Rizwan’s role, Babar said there was no additional burden on the senior wicketkeeper-batter, although being a senior player naturally came with responsibility.
The captain admitted that Pakistan had failed to perform according to their standards in the previous match but said the team had reviewed its mistakes and worked on improving them.
He maintained that Pakistan traditionally responds well as a unit during difficult periods and would look to demonstrate the same fighting spirit at Lord’s.
Babar also discussed the team combination, saying Salman Ali Agha had served as the second spin option in the previous Test. In his absence, Pakistan had opted to strengthen the batting order.
Looking ahead to the Lord’s Test, Babar expressed confidence that Pakistan would present a different challenge.
“Pakistan will look like a different team at Lord’s,” he said, adding that playing at the historic venue was always an honour.
Babar said he would try to give his best both as captain and as a player and contribute to Pakistan’s success in the Test.
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Babar Azam speaking at a press conference ahead of the Lord’s Test