Pakistan's cricket team is set to receive a major boost with the return of star batsman Babar Azam for the second and final Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed on Friday that Babar has recovered from a knee injury that sidelined him during the first Test, which Bangladesh won by 104 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Babar Azam's Return
Babar Azam, 31, was ruled out of the first Test due to a knee injury. His absence was felt as Pakistan struggled to chase a target and eventually lost. Sarfaraz Ahmed expressed optimism about Babar's availability for the upcoming match, stating, "Babar Azam is available for the next match. We are disappointed after the first Test but the past is the past. We are hopeful. We will bounce back as a team."
Bangladesh's Injury Concerns
Bangladesh also faces injury issues in their batting lineup. Opener Shadman Islam has been ruled out of the second Test after sustaining a chest injury during the first match. Fellow opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy is also under fitness monitoring. In Shadman's absence, white-ball opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim is likely to make his Test debut.
Weather and Conditions
Rain is forecast for the decisive Test, but Sarfaraz Ahmed downplayed its impact, saying, "The weather is not in our hands. If we have an opportunity to play cricket here, we will definitely play good cricket." However, Bangladesh veteran Mushfiqur Rahim believes weather could be a significant factor. "I think the weather is a bigger challenge than the wicket," he said, adding that there might be some moisture on the pitch.
Mushfiqur on Babar's Return
Mushfiqur Rahim remained unfazed by Babar Azam's return, noting that Bangladesh had previously defeated Pakistan 2-0 in Pakistan even when Babar was playing. "If any individual and such a world-class cricketer like him is in the team, then naturally it will be a boost for them. But when we won 2-0 against Pakistan in Pakistan, he was there too," Mushfiqur remarked.
The second Test begins on Saturday in Sylhet, with Pakistan looking to level the series and Bangladesh aiming to secure a historic series win.
