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Pakistan National Cricket Team opener Imam-ul-Haq is unlikely to play the remainder of the Lord's Test against England due to a grade-1 tear in his left calf. Cricinfo on August 30 reported that the batter has been prescribed ten days of rest.
The report said the batter was taken for a medical scan after stumps on Day 1 of the Lord's Test to assess the severity of the injury. Imam-ul-Haq sustained the injury while batting in the Headingley Test, which Pakistan lost by an innings and 103 runs. The team's medical panel rushed onto the ground to check the batter.
Imam-ul-Haq received immediate medical assistance on the field
The batter was in visible pain and was on the ground on his back. Imam went out of action after the Tea break of the ongoing Test, and the Pakistan team management was forced to name his replacement. Salman Ali Agha took the field as the replacement for Imam-ul-Haq. In the first innings of the England vs Pakistan Test, which is the second match of the ongoing series.
Imam-ul-Haq's name was mentioned in the list of Pakistan players, but he did not come out to bat. Pakistan, without Imam in the middle for batting, was bundled out for only 110 runs in their first innings. After sustaining a shameful defeat in the first match in Leeds, the team is again looking vulnerable under the English conditions.
Mohammad Ali refused to provide medical updates on Imam-ul-Haq
While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) informed the uncertainty around their top-order batter because of the calf injury, the team's fast bowler Mohammad Ali, however, refused to provide any direct comment to the reporters on his teammate's current fitness status.
"I wouldn't be able to tell you anything about it. I am aware of his status, but the team's medical panel is better placed to answer your questions," Ali said to the reporters after the end of Day 3 in London.
The absence of Imam will be a massive blow for the Pakistan cricket team as most of their batters os looked uncomfortable against the England bowling attack. In comparison to Leeds, the pitch at Lord's, in London, looks more kind for the batter.
Pakistan still has the opportunity to make a comeback against England
The home team went to bat first on the fresh track and secured a total of 290 runs, while Pakistan, in the first innings bowled out for hundred and ten runs. Nine batters of the Pakistan batting order were dismissed without scoring in double digits. Azan Awais, a 21-year-old batter, emerged as the best batter of the innings for the touring team with 46 runs from 102 balls.
Pakistan needs to pull out something heroic to bounce back in the match and in the series. Under the bright blue sky in London, the Men in Green bowlers will have to take the remainder of England's wickets as soon as possible so that the batters can join the game early to keep their hopes alive for them.
