Imam-ul-Haq was forced off the field during the opening session of Pakistan’s second Test match against England at Lord’s on Thursday nite due to a left calf cramp he sustained while fielding. A scan conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the condition, revealing a low-grade calf strain. Treatment that results in recovery is necessary for him to participate in the balance of the test.
Regarding Imam-ul-Haq history of injuries, former Pakistan head selector Mohammad Wasim has made a grave accusation. Wasim stated that the physiotherapist had informed him ahead of time that Imam would pretend to be hurt during the December 2022 Test at Multan. Imam-ul-Haq did experience a hamstring problem during that test, and he had an MRI at a Multan hospital. On the third day, he came back to bat in the second innings and scored 60 as Pakistan was defeated by 26 runs.
England dominated the second Test with the ball, and Imam-ul-Haq’s injury was only one aspect of Pakistan’s awful performance at Lord’s.
The hosts responded magnificently, dismissing Pakistan for just 110 in just 37.2 overs after being knocked out for 290 in their first innings. This gave them a comfortable 180-run advantage.
As Pakistan’s batting order found it difficult to keep up with the movement and unrelenting precision, Ollie Robinson delivered an incredible spell, finishing with 4 for 11 from 13 overs, including six maidens. Josh Tongue took two wickets to maintain the pressure on the visitors, and Jofra Archer offered outstanding support with 3 for 26. The only England seamer to end without a wicket was Gus Atkinson.
In the second innings, England kept tightening their hold on the game. Before play ended early due to terrible light, they had reached 81 for 3 by the end of Day 2, increasing their overall lead to 261 runs. England was in complete control of the match going into the third day, with Pakistan already under tremendous strain.
