Pakistan opener
The injury occurred during the opening day of the match, forcing the opener to spend significant time off the field. While the
Allegations of Past Conduct
Wasim, who previously served as the chief selector for the national side, claimed that this is not the first time the batter has used physical complaints to excuse himself from selection. Recalling an incident from 2022, the former selector alleged that he had been forewarned by the team physio regarding Imam’s intentions during the Multan Test.
According to Wasim, the physio warned him in advance that the player was planning to fake an injury, an event he claims occurred exactly as predicted. These allegations have added a layer of tension to the team's current campaign, as the PCB continues to manage the player's recovery under the supervision of their medical staff, noting that his availability for future play remains dependent on his progress.
Pakistan’s Struggles at Lord’s
The controversy surrounding the opening batter coincides with a difficult period for the touring side. Pakistan’s performance at Lord’s has been hampered by significant batting failures, with the team bowled out for just 110 in their first innings. The side struggled to handle the English pace attack, lasting only 37.2 overs as Ollie Robinson claimed 4-11 and Jofra Archer added 3-26.
England established a commanding 180-run first-innings lead, further compounding the pressure on the visitors. By the close of the second day, England had extended their advantage to 261 runs, reaching 81-3 in their second innings. Despite late efforts from bowlers Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali, who removed Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox, and Joe Root, the hosts remain in a dominant position to dictate the remainder of the contest.
