Why didn't Imam-ul-Haq bat in the first innings of ENG vs PAK 2nd Test at Lord's?

The left-handed opening batter of the Pakistan side, Imam-ul-Haq, didn’t bat in their first innings during the second Test of the three-match series at Lord’s as their batting failed to deliver against a strong bowling side of England for the third time in the series so far.

Despite the presence of their veteran batter and captain of the side, Babar Azam, Pakistan failed to produce a strong performance with the bat. Meanwhile, they couldn’t do well in both innings of the opening game at Leeds, where they lost the contest in just three days.

Left calf strain on Day 1 forced Imam-ul-Haq out of Pakistan's first-innings batting order

Imam has not batted well outside his favourite Rawalpindi ground, having collected 1865 runs in 58 innings of the Test format at an average of 34.53, shouldering three centuries and 11 half-centuries at the best score of 157 runs. He injured his left calf while fielding during the opening day’s play of the game.

“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.” The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement.

See Also: Watch: PCB threatens Lord's Test boycott, complains to Sky Sports over Imran Khan's sons interview

“Scans later confirmed a low-grade calf strain, and Imam is currently receiving treatment under the supervision of Pakistan's medical team. His participation in the remainder of the Test depends on treatment leading to recovery.” He addressed.

Imam spent a long time in the dressing room for his recovery. Due to his absence in the field for a significant period, he wasn’t allowed to bat in the first innings as an opener, and eventually their batting lasted only 37.2 overs.

How England's Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer ran through Pakistan's top order

England batted first and recorded a decent score of 290 runs in their first innings thanks to the twin half-centuries from Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith, while their last-wicket stand lasted nearly an hour on the second day to add 47 runs off 67 balls.

Pakistan’s batting struggled badly in their first innings, where they were reduced to 30/3 just after the lunch break as Babar Azam returned to the pavilion. They continued to lose wickets and were finally bundled out for 110, losing their last six wickets for just 19 runs.

See Also: 'Walk of shame' — Fans mock Babar Azam's long walk to the Lord's pavilion after 8-run dismissal in ENG vs PAK 2nd Test

England ended the day with 81/3, having got a dominating lead of 261 runs. They would try to bat for two sessions and put the game to bed to earn a lead of 2-0 in the series.

Brief Scores: England 290 (Jamie Smith 61, Mohammad Abbas 4/73) & 81/3 (Emilio Gay 30*, Khurram Shahzad 2/26) lead Pakistan 110 (Azan Awais 46, Ollie Robinson 4/11) by 261 runs.

"Where's Imam?" — Fans react as Pakistan's batting collapses without their opener

The fans wondered why Imam didn’t bat in the first innings as Pakistan collapsed once again in the series-