Pakistan dealt injury blow as Imam-ul-Haq suffers low-grade calf strain at Lord’s

Pakistan’s problems at Lord’s have deepened, with opening batter Imam-ul-Haq’s availability for the remainder of the second Test in doubt after he suffered a low-grade calf strain on the opening day. The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that Imam sustained the injury to his left calf while fielding on Day 1. Scans later revealed a low-grade strain, with the batter currently undergoing treatment under the supervision of the team’s medical staff."His participation in the remainder of the Test depends on treatment leading to recovery," the PCB said in a statement.The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Pakistan, who are already under pressure after losing two early wickets in their first innings on Day 2.England turn the screw before lunchEngland extended their first-innings total to 290 after resuming at 248/9, with the lower order adding crucial runs before Pakistan finally wrapped up the innings.At lunch on Day 2, the visitors were 16/2 after 14.1 overs, trailing England by 274 runs. Josh Tongue claimed the second wicket shortly before the interval when Abdullah Shafique edged a full delivery through to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.Shafique, who had battled for 32 balls, was dismissed for five after attempting another drive outside off. The decision initially went upstairs after the on-field umpire was unsure whether there had been contact, but UltraEdge showed a spike and the dismissal was confirmed.Jofra Archer had earlier provided England with the breakthrough, removing Shan Masood for just one from 11 deliveries. Archer repeatedly operated around the 92mph mark and kept Pakistan's openers under considerable pressure.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.