Imam injury clouds Pakistan’s strong start at Lord’s
News Desk
London: Pakistan ended the opening day of the second Test against England in a strong position at Lord’s, but an injury to opener Imam-ul-Haq has raised concerns over his availability for the remainder of the match.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Imam suffered a low-grade strain to his left calf while fielding on Friday. A subsequent scan confirmed the injury, with the 30-year-old now receiving treatment under the supervision of the Pakistan team’s medical staff.
The PCB said Imam’s participation in the remainder of the Test would depend on his recovery.
The injury came on a day when Pakistan’s bowlers largely dominated England despite rain and bad light limiting play to 56 overs. England finished the day at 248 for nine after Pakistan opted to field following a delayed toss.
Mohammad Abbas was the standout performer, claiming four wickets for 56 runs from 15 overs. Mohammad Ali took three wickets, while Khurram Shahzad claimed one.
Pakistan’s bowlers produced their strongest spell in the final session, taking four wickets for 68 runs after England resumed at 180 for five.
Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith had earlier helped England recover from 80 for four, but their partnership lasted only seven more runs before Shahzad dismissed Cox. Cox top-scored for England with 55 off 105 balls, including seven fours, after being caught at second slip by substitute fielder Salman Ali Agha.
Smith followed with a determined 61 off 80 deliveries, hitting 10 fours, before Ali removed him. Ali then struck again in the same over to bowl Ollie Robinson for a duck, leaving England at 222 for eight.
Gus Atkinson and Jofra Archer added 21 runs for the ninth wicket before Abbas dismissed Archer for 14 in the final over of the day.
Atkinson was unbeaten on 34, with Josh Tongue on one when bad light brought play to an early end.
Pakistan had made an ideal start after Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bowl. England’s openers initially put on 21 runs before Abbas dismissed Emilio Gay for eight.
Duckett was then removed for 17, reducing England to 26 for two. Abbas completed his strong opening spell by dismissing England captain Joe Root for four.
Harry Brook and Cox attempted to rebuild the innings, sharing 31 runs for the fourth wicket, but Brook was bowled by Ali for 15 before the end of the first session.
England reached 180 for five at tea after scoring 100 runs for the loss of one wicket during the second session, but Pakistan regained control in the final phase.
With England’s final wicket still to fall, Pakistan will resume their efforts to wrap up the innings while keeping a close watch on Imam’s fitness for the remainder of the Test.
