Will Babar Azam return for Bangladesh Test after resuming net practice?

LAHORE – Pakistan national cricket team batter Babar Azam has resumed batting practice in the nets after recovering from discomfort in his left knee, increasing the likelihood of his return for the second Test against Bangladesh. Babar Azam was ruled out of the first Test in Dhaka after suffering pain in his left knee. However, according to the latest reports, the former Pakistan captain is recovering quickly and has started training again with the squad. Team sources said Babar took part in an extensive batting session under the supervision of batting coach Asad Shafiq, while the team physiotherapist and trainer also monitored his condition during the practice. Sources added that Babar showed no signs of discomfort during the session and also completed running drills between the wickets comfortably, indicating positive progress in his rehabilitation. Pakistan and Bangladesh will play the second Test from May 16 to 20 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Team officials said the injury was not serious and the management had decided to rest Babar for the first Test purely as a precautionary measure. It was further learnt that the batter himself had not requested exclusion from the playing XI, and the decision was made entirely by the team management. Babar Azam has been in impressive form in recent months. In the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League, he scored 588 runs and emerged as the leading run-scorer of the tournament.