Pakistan will be a batter short once again as Imam-ul-Haq is likely not to take part in the fourth innings of the Lord’s Test.
Scans confirm a calf tear
Imam, who sustained what was previously identified as a calf strain while fielding earlier in the game, did not bat in Pakistan’s previous innings, where they were bundled out for 110. With further scans, his calf injury has been diagnosed as a grade-one calf tear.
After the close of play on day three, Pakistan pacer Mohammad Ali refrained from answering questions about his availability.
“I wouldn’t be able to tell you anything about it,” he told reporters. “I am aware of his status, but the team’s medical panel is better placed to answer you.”
Imam’s participation in Lord’s Test
Imam’s inclusion was in doubt before the second day even began, with the Pakistan Cricket Board confirming a calf strain. As per the PCB statement, the left-handed batter, who spent the last session of the first day off the field, had sustained the strain while fielding, with scans confirming it.
“Pakistan opening batter Imam-ul-Haq sustained a strain to his left calf muscle while fielding on the opening day of the second Test against England at Lord’s,” said a PCB statement.
Without Imam, Pakistan’s gigantic task has swelled even more. They were set a 389-run target by England, who cashed in on the first innings lead. Just ten overs into the fourth innings, Pakistan are already three down with a heavy defeat looming closer. This would be England’s first red-ball series win since December 2024, having already won the Headingley Test.
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