Wasim Claims Imam Faked Injury in 2022 Test as Opener Suffers Calf Strain at Lord’s

Former Pakistan chief selector Mohammad Wasim has made serious claims regarding opening batter Imam-ul-Haq, alleging that the cricketer previously faked an injury during a Test match against England in December 2022. The revelation surfaced alongside news that Imam picked up a left calf strain during the ongoing second Test against England at Lord’s.

What Happened

During the opening day of Pakistan’s second Test match against England at Lord’s on Thursday evening, Imam-ul-Haq sustained a left calf strain while fielding. The injury forced him off the ground before the session concluded. A subsequent medical scan arranged by the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed a low-grade calf strain, placing his continued involvement in the match in doubt subject to his response to medical treatment.

Amid this development, former chief selector Mohammad Wasim revisited an incident from England’s tour of Pakistan in December 2022 in Multan. Wasim alleged, as reported by Cricket News, that the team physio had cautioned him ahead of time that Imam planned to fake an injury. During that 2022 fixture, Imam reported a hamstring issue and underwent an MRI scan at a local hospital. He later batted in the second innings on day three, making 60 runs in a match Pakistan eventually lost by 26 runs.

The current Lord’s Test has presented further setbacks for Pakistan on the field. After England posted 290 runs in their first innings, Pakistan was dismissed for 110 runs inside 37.2 overs. England’s seam bowling attack was led by Ollie Robinson, who took 4 for 11 in 13 overs with six maidens. Jofra Archer claimed 3 for 26 and Josh Tongue picked up two wickets, while Gus Atkinson went wicketless. England closed Day 2 at 81 for 3, pushing their overall lead to 261 runs before play was curtailed by bad light.

Key Highlights

• Imam-ul-Haq suffered a low-grade left calf strain on Day 1 of the second Test at Lord’s, as confirmed by medical scans.
• Former chief selector Mohammad Wasim stated that a physio informed him beforehand that Imam would fake an injury during the December 2022 Multan Test.
• In that 2022 match, Imam dealt with a hamstring complaint, had an MRI scan, and later scored 60 runs in the second innings.
• Pakistan was bowled out for 110 at Lord’s, conceding a 180-run first-innings deficit to England.
• Ollie Robinson took 4 for 11 and Jofra Archer claimed 3 for 26 to put England ahead by 261 runs at the close of Day 2.

Why This Matters

Wasim’s claim raises scrutiny over past fitness reporting within the Pakistan national setup, specifically pointing to communication from medical staff during a major home series. Concurrently, Imam’s present calf strain adds immediate tactical pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup at Lord’s, where the team already faces a 261-run deficit after being bowled out cheaply in the first innings.

What to Watch Next

The Pakistan Cricket Board stated that Imam is receiving treatment under the supervision of the team’s medical staff, and his ability to bat or field during the remainder of the Lord’s Test will be determined by his ongoing recovery. Play resumes on Day 3 with England at 81 for 3 in their second innings holding a 261-run advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What injury did Imam-ul-Haq suffer at Lord’s?

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board, medical scans confirmed that Imam sustained a low-grade left calf strain while fielding on the opening day.

What did Mohammad Wasim allege about Imam-ul-Haq?

Wasim claimed that during the December 2022 Multan Test against England, the team physio warned him in advance that Imam was going to fake an injury, which Wasim stated the batter then carried out.

What happened during the 2022 Multan Test regarding Imam’s fitness?

Imam suffered a hamstring issue and underwent an MRI scan at a Multan hospital. He returned to bat in the second innings on day three, scoring 60 runs in a 26-run loss to England.

How did England gain the advantage in the second Test at Lord’s?

England dismissed Pakistan for 110 runs to claim a 180-run lead, powered by Ollie Robinson’s 4 for 11 and Jofra Archer’s 3 for 26, before reaching 81 for 3 to lead by 261 runs by the close of Day 2.

Source: Crictracker