Pakistan opener suffers a low-grade left calf strain while fielding as the team prepares for the second day against England.
LONDON, UK – Web Desk: Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq’s participation in the remainder of the second Test against England at Lord’s is in doubt after scans confirmed a low-grade calf strain, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Friday.
The 30-year-old left-handed batter suffered the injury to his left calf muscle while fielding on the opening day of the Test.
According to the PCB, Imam is currently receiving treatment under the supervision of Pakistan’s medical team, with his availability for the rest of the match dependent on his recovery.
Imam suffers injury while fielding
Imam sustained the injury during Pakistan’s fielding effort on the first day at Lord’s.
Scans subsequently confirmed the low-grade calf strain. The PCB has not ruled him out of the remainder of the Test, but his participation will depend on how he responds to treatment.
The injury is another concern for Pakistan as the team attempts to level the three-match series after losing the opening Test to England.
Pakistan dominate first day at Lord’s
Pakistan enjoyed a strong opening day with the ball, despite rain and bad light limiting play to only 56 overs.
England reached 248-9 at stumps, with Gus Atkinson unbeaten on 34 and Josh Tongue on one.
Mohammad Abbas was Pakistan’s leading bowler, finishing the day with 4-56, while Mohammad Ali claimed three wickets and Khurram Shahzad took one.
England’s innings was led by Jamie Smith, who scored 61 from 80 deliveries, while Jordan Cox made 55.
Abbas leads Pakistan’s bowling attack
Abbas made the most of the overcast conditions at Lord’s.
He removed Emilio Gay and Ben Duckett early before dismissing England captain Joe Root for four, leaving England under pressure during the opening session.
Pakistan’s bowlers continued to make regular breakthroughs throughout the day, although England’s lower order helped the hosts recover from 180-5 to 248-9 before bad light ended play.
Pakistan face selection concern
Imam’s injury could become significant if he is unable to bat when Pakistan begin their first innings.
Pakistan already made changes to their batting line-up for the second Test, with Babar Azam returning to the playing XI after missing the first Test because of a finger injury.
Babar won the toss at Lord’s and chose to field first.
Pakistan had lost the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs, leaving England 1-0 ahead in the three-match series.
Imam’s availability remains uncertain
The PCB has not announced that Imam has been ruled out of the Test.
Instead, the board said his participation will depend on his recovery following treatment.
A further assessment by the Pakistan medical team is therefore expected to determine whether the opener is fit enough to bat or field during the remainder of the match.
For now, Imam’s status remains doubtful rather than confirmed out.
