Pakistan captain Babar Azam has urged the team’s senior players to take greater responsibility 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. The visitors now need a strong response to stay alive in the three-match series.
The Green Shirts entered the England series after drawing their away series against the West Indies 1-1. However, the heavy defeat in the first Test drew widespread criticism of Pakistan’s batting and bowling performances.
Pakistan Look to Improve at Lord’s
Pakistan will take confidence from their recent record at Lord’s. The team has won its last two Tests at the iconic venue.
The third and final Test of the series will take place in Birmingham next month.
Pakistan could also receive a major boost, with Babar reaching “90 percent” fitness ahead of the second Test.
Speaking before the match, Babar said experienced players must take more responsibility, especially when the team faces pressure.
Babar Responds to Questions Over Rizwan
His remarks came amid scrutiny of wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan has scored 94 runs in six innings since his half-century against Bangladesh in May.
Babar dismissed suggestions that Rizwan was carrying an additional burden. However, he 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 young players should showcase their potential. At the same time, senior members must step up and help the team recover from difficult situations.
Babar Calls for a Collective Effort
Pakistan’s fast-bowling attack also faced criticism after struggling in the opening Test. Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Ali took five wickets collectively while conceding 300 runs.
Babar insisted that the entire playing XI must share responsibility. He said the team cannot expect the bowlers alone to take 20 wickets.
“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 also highlighted the importance of building partnerships in English conditions. He said established batters must extend their innings because new players often struggle to settle at the crease.
Pakistan will now look to produce a much stronger all-round performance at Lord’s and level the three-match series.
