Why Imam-ul-Haq is Not Opening In ENG vs PAK 2nd Test at Lord's?

Pakistan's woes continued to grow during the ongoing Test series against England as Imam-ul-Haq suffered an injury during the second match. This comes as a major setback as Pakistan went in with a new opening combination at Lord's, one of the best cricket stadiums in the world.

The series hasn't started well for the visitors as they suffered a crushing defeat in the opening match. While the bowlers did their job on the opening day, Pakistan still requires a top performance from their batters. But Imam-ul-Haq injury has added to their problems.

Why Imam-ul-Haq is Not Opening Today in ENG vs PAK 2nd Test?

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq suffered a low grade calf strain while fielding during Day 1 of the Lord's Test. As a result, the team management didn't send him to open the batting on the second day.

With no Imam-ul-Haq, the Men in Green went with a different opening combination. Azan Awais and Shan Masood were Pakistan openers in 1st innings of the ENG vs PAK 2nd Test. Masood, who was earlier slotted to bat at No. 3, moved higher up the order in the absence of Imam.

However, his innings was short-lived as he was dismissed for just 1 run off the bowling of Jofra Archer. It was a quick delivery from the England fast bowler, at 146 kph, which Shan Masood edged through to the wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

Is Imam-ul-Haq Ruled Out of Lord's Test?

Imam is yet not officially ruled out of the ENG vs PAK 2nd Test but his participation remains in doubt. The PCB is yet to provide an update on Imam-ul-Haq calf injury and his further participation in this game.

His absence will leave Pakistan one batter short in this game, which can have serious implication on the match result. Pakistan's batting hasn't been in the best form lately and will find it even tougher if Imam misses out on the rest of the match.

Coming to his recent form, the left-handed opener wasn't at his best. He scored 42 and 0 in the last Test at Headingley. Previously, he scored just one fifty during the two-match Test series in West Indies. As a result, there have been several calls for him to be dropped from the Test team.