Imam-ul-Haq’s 2022 Multan Test Injury Questioned

Imam-ul-Haq strained his left calf while fielding on the first day of Pakistan’s second Test against England at Lord’s on Thursday evening, forcing him to leave the pitch.

The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the ailment with a scan, which found a minor calf strain. His participation in the remaining Test is contingent on successful treatment and recuperation.

Former Pakistan top selector Mohammad Wasim has raised significant allegations about Imam-ul-Haq injury history. Wasim said that during the December 2022 Test in Multan, the physio informed him that Imam would fake an injury.

Imam-ul-Haq had a hamstring injury during the test and was treated at a Multan hospital with an MRI scan. He returned to bat in the second innings on the third day, scoring 60 as Pakistan lost by 26 runs.

Imam-ul-Haq’s injury was only one aspect of Pakistan’s poor performance at Lord’s, as England dominated the second Test with the ball.

After being bowled out for 290 in their first innings, the hosts rallied well, dismissing Pakistan for 110 in 37.2 overs to take a commanding 180-run advantage.

Ollie Robinson bowled a brilliant performance, finishing with 4 for 11 from 13 overs, including six maidens, as Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled to deal with the movement and unrelenting precision.

Jofra Archer contributed 3 for 26, while Josh Tongue took two wickets to keep the visitors under strain. Gus Atkinson was the only England seamer who finished without a wicket.

England’s lead grew stronger in the second innings. By the end of Day 2, they had reached 81 for 3, extending their overall lead to 261 runs, before play was called off due to poor lighting. With Pakistan already under enormous pressure, England went into the third day fully in control of the game.