Pakistan vs Australia 2018: Imam-ul-Haq Ruled Out of Second Test After Fractured Finger

Pakistan opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the second Test against Australia. The left-hander fractured his left hand’s fifth finger during the final day of the opening Test against Australia. The first Test match is currently underway at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The news was shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board on their Twitter handle.

“Imam ul Haq injury: Imam ul Haq while fielding today during the first Test match has fractured his left hand’s fifth finger and has been ruled out from the second Test match against Australia,” the PCB website wrote.

The southpaw fractured his finger and left the field on the final day of the first Test in Dubai.

Imam-ul-Haq ruled out of 2nd Test

The recovery time hasn’t been announced yet but sources have confirmed that he won’t take part in the second Test which is slated to be played in Abu Dhabi from 16th October. The southpaw had to face a lot of criticism as he is the nephew of Inzamam-ul-Haq who is the chairman of selectors of Pakistan. He hasn’t scored too many runs in Test cricket but has impressed all during his brief international career so far.

However, his Test numbers might not reflect his class and reputation but he has played quite a few crucial hands for his country. It included a fighting half-century on his Test debut against Ireland. Even in the ongoing Test against Australia he got off to good starts in both the innings but was dismissed after making 76 and 48 respectively in both the innings.

In the absence of Imam-ul-Haq, Pakistan has a couple of likely replacements. Uncapped opener Fakhar Zaman might make his debut in the second Test. They also have another option in the form of middle-order batsman Usman Salahuddin. Zaman has increased his claims for a Test berth with impressive performances in the limited overs format. Meanwhile, Salahuddin registered scores of 33 and 4 in the only Test he played at Leeds earlier in the year.

Here is PCB’s tweet:

Imam ul Haq injury:
Imam ul Haq while fielding today during the first Test match has fractured his left hand's fifth finger and has been ruled out from the second Test match against Australia.

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 11, 2018