Pakistan opening batter Imam-ul-Haq is unlikely to bat in the second innings of the ongoing second Test against England at Lord’s. The left-handed batter did not come out to bat for the Babar Azam-led side in the first innings either due to an injury.
According to Cricinfo, Imam has suffered a left calf tear and has been advised to rest for 10 days.
The left-handed batter, who scored 42 and 0 in the first Test between the two teams at Leeds last week, has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 tear in his left calf.
Imam has not taken the field for Pakistan since tea on Day 1 of the Lord’s Test. In his absence, Salman Ali Agha, who made way for Babar Azam in the playing XI for the second Test, came in as a substitute fielder.
Before the start of the second
day’s play, the Pakistan team management had said that Imam’s participation in the Test would depend on his treatment for a “strain to his left calf muscle”. Fast bowler Mohammad Ali later said that the medical panel would provide an update on Imam at the end of the third day’s play.
“I wouldn’t be able to tell you anything about it,” he said. “I am aware of his status, but the team’s medical panel is better placed to answer you.”
Imam faced a few throwdowns ahead of the start of the fourth day’s play on Sunday but limped back after a short while with members of the support staff.
His absence will be a major setback for the visitors, who could manage only 110 runs in their first innings on Friday and conceded a 180-run lead to England.
In Imam’s absence, Shan Masood, who has extensive experience of playing red-ball cricket in England, is expected to open the innings once again alongside Azan Awais, who top-scored for Pakistan in the first innings. Abdullah Shafique is likely to bat at No. 3.
