Imam-ul-Haq Faces Criticism Over Injury During Lord’s Test

LONDON:Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq is facing criticism over his decision not to bat during the Lord’s Test after complaining of a calf injury.
Former chief selector Mohammad Wasim strongly criticised the incident, saying that such behaviour had been seen in the past as well.
According to reports, a scan arranged by the Pakistan Cricket Board showed only a minor muscle strain in Imam’s calf.
Imam has been criticised by some cricket circles for allegedly avoiding batting and repeatedly giving the strike to debutant Aizaan Owais. Critics argue that several players in the past have batted despite serious injuries, including broken fingers and fractures.
Questions have also been raised over Imam’s recent Test form. In the second innings of his last eight Test matches, he has scored only 45 runs at an average of 5.5 and has reached double figures only twice.
His fielding has also come under criticism after he dropped important catches in the slips.