Babar Azam is available for Pakistan’s second and final Test against Bangladesh national cricket team in Sylhet after missing the opening match due to a knee injury, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed on Friday.
Pakistan trail 1-0 in the two-match series after Bangladesh secured a 104-run victory in the first Test.
“Babar Azam is available for the next match,” Sarfaraz told reporters ahead of the Test beginning on Saturday.
Bangladesh face injury concerns ahead of second Test
Sarfaraz said Pakistan remained hopeful of bouncing back in the series despite the defeat in the opening match.
Bangladesh are also dealing with injury concerns in their batting lineup. Opener Shadman Islam has been ruled out with a chest injury, while the fitness of Mahmudul Hasan Joy is being monitored.
White-ball opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim is expected to make his Test debut as a replacement.
Rain is forecast during the match in Sylhet, though Sarfaraz said the team would focus on playing quality cricket regardless of the conditions.
Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim said weather conditions could play an important role in the match but acknowledged that Babar Azam’s return would strengthen Pakistan’s lineup.
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