Big blow for Pakistan! Imam-ul-Haq ruled out with left calf injury during ENG vs PAK 2nd Test at Lord's

Pakistan have suffered a major setback in the second Test against England at Lord’s, with opener Imam-ul-Haq ruled out of the remainder of the match due to a left calf injury. Imam suffered a strain in his left calf while fielding on Day 1 and was taken for scans after the close of play. The scans confirmed a low-grade calf strain, and he did not bat in Pakistan’s first innings.

Imam’s absence is a big blow for Pakistan as they prepare for their run chase against England. Pakistan were bowled out for just 110 in 38 overs in the first innings, and the team will now have to continue without one of its key openers. The batter has reportedly been diagnosed with a Grade 1 tear in his left calf.

The doctors have advised Imam to rest for around 10 days, ruling him out of the rest of the Lord’s Test. His absence means Pakistan will have only 10 available batters for the run chase, leaving them with nine wickets in hand as they look to fight back against England.

Opener suffers grade-1 calf tear on day 1, advised 10 days of rest as Pakistan falls further behind

Imam-ul-Haq has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 tear in his left calf and has reportedly been advised to take 10 days of rest. He underwent scans after the end of Day 1, with the results confirming the extent of the injury. His participation in the remainder of the Lord’s Test was initially uncertain, with Pakistan saying his availability would depend on his treatment for the calf strain.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the scans revealed a tear in Imam’s left calf muscle, putting his participation in the remaining days of the Test in serious doubt. Pakistan had earlier described the injury as a strain, but the scan results showed that the problem was more serious. The left-hander’s absence is another setback for Pakistan, who have struggled in the Test against England.

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Imam had first felt discomfort in his calf while batting in the first Test at Headingley, which Pakistan lost by an innings and 103 runs. He needed treatment during his 42-run knock and had his calf strapped before continuing his innings. He also shared a 91-run partnership with Abdullah Shafique, but Pakistan’s batting line-up later collapsed.

Salman Agha fields as substitute while Pakistan face England's massive 389-run lead without Imam

Salman Ali Agha came on as a substitute fielder for Imam-ul-Haq as Pakistan continued to face England at Lord’s. Imam left the field after tea on the first day and has not returned to the action since. His injury has added to Pakistan’s problems in a Test where they have already struggled against England.

Imam also did not bat in Pakistan’s first innings on Day 2. Pakistan were bowled out for just 110 in fewer than 38 overs after England posted 290 in their first innings. His absence left Pakistan without one of their specialist opening batters as they struggled against the English bowling attack.

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England were eventually bowled out for 208 in their second innings, setting Pakistan a target of 389 runs to win the Test. Pakistan quickly removed Dan Lawrence and the lower order, but Babar Azam then produced a brilliant direct hit from mid-off to run out Josh Tongue. England finished with a lead of 388 runs, leaving Pakistan with a huge challenge in their final innings.

Injury woes deepen for Pakistan as they chase a miracle to save the Lord's Test

Pakistan’s injury problems have added to their struggles in the second Test against England at Lord’s. Imam-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the remainder of the match after suffering a left calf injury. Salman Ali Agha replaced him as a substitute fielder, leaving Pakistan without one of their specialist opening batters.

The visitors are also facing a huge challenge with the bat after England set them a target of 389 runs to win the Test. Pakistan were bowled out for just 110 in their first innings after England scored 290. England then added 208 in their second innings, leaving Pakistan with a difficult task in their final innings.

Pakistan now need a remarkable batting effort to pull off a comeback at Lord’s. At the time of writing, Pakistan are 162/6 after 45 overs, with Saud Shakeel unbeaten on 96 off 119 balls. With Imam unavailable and the team under pressure, Pakistan need a strong finish to keep their hopes of saving the Test alive.