Babar Azam returns as Pakistan eye comeback in Sylhet Test

Return of star batter Babar Azam will strengthen Pakistan in the second and final Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed on Friday. The 31-year-old missed the opening Test due to a knee injury, which Bangladesh won by 104 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Speaking ahead of the second Test starting Saturday, Sarfaraz said Babar is fit and available for selection. “Babar Azam is available for the next match,” he told reporters. “We are disappointed with the first Test result, but the past is behind us. We are confident of bouncing back as a team.” Bangladesh, meanwhile, are also dealing with injury setbacks in its batting lineup. Opener Shadman Islam has been ruled out of the match after suffering a chest injury during the first Test, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s availability remains uncertain as he undergoes a fitness assessment. In Shadman’s absence, white-ball opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim is likely to make his Test debut. Weather conditions could also influence the decisive match, with rain expected during the game. However, Sarfaraz played down its impact. “Weather is not in our control. If we get the chance to play, we will look to play good cricket,” he said. Bangladesh veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim, however, suggested conditions could play a major role, noting possible moisture in the pitch. “The weather is a bigger challenge than the wicket,” he said. He also acknowledged Babar’s return but downplayed its impact, saying Bangladesh had previously beaten Pakistan 2-0 in a series where Babar was also part of the side. Pakistan U19 set to tour England for a bilateral series