Imam-Ul-Haq Ruled Out of PAK vs ENG 2nd Test 2026 Due to Calf Tear: Report
Pakistan opening batter Imam-ul-Haq has suffered a Grade 1 tear in his left calf, sustained while fielding on the opening day of the ongoing second Test against England at Lord's. Scans confirmed the injury, and he reportedly has been advised a ten-day rest period, making his return for the remainder of the crucial match highly improbable.
Pakistan's hopes in the crucial second Test against England at Lord's have been dealt a significant blow with opening batter Imam-ul-Haq reportedly suffering a Grade 1 tear to his left calf, effectively making him highly unlikely for the remainder of the match. The injury occurred on the opening day of the Test, Thursday, August 27, 2026, while he was fielding, and subsequent scans have confirmed the severity, prompting a recommendation of ten days' rest. Pakistan vs England Live Streaming Online and Free Telecast in India, 2nd Test 2026, Day 4.
The news, coming on Sunday, August 30, 2026, exacerbates Pakistan's struggles at Lord's, a match they entered looking to rebound from an innings defeat in the first Test at Headingley. Imam's absence was keenly felt as he did not come out to bat in Pakistan's first innings on Day 2, with Salman Ali Agha taking the field as his substitute.
Injury Details and Prognosis
The left-handed opener sustained the calf strain while fielding during the evening session on Day 1 of the second Test. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Friday, August 28, 2026, that scans revealed a low-grade calf strain, and Imam is currently receiving treatment from the team's medical staff. While the PCB's official statement indicated his participation would depend on recovery, as per a cricinfo reports on August 30, 2026, suggest a Grade 1 tear and a recommended ten-day rest period, making his return for this Test highly improbable.
Match Context and Series Impact
This injury comes at a critical juncture for Pakistan in their three-match Test series against England, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. The series schedule is as follows:
- 1st Test: August 19-23, 2026, Headingley, Leeds (England won by an innings and 103 runs).
- 2nd Test: August 27-31, 2026, Lord's, London, starting 10:00 AM GMT (11:00 AM Local).
- 3rd Test: September 9-13, 2026, Edgbaston, Birmingham, starting 10:00 AM GMT (11:00 AM Local). Former Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim Accuses Imam-ul-Haq of Faking Injuries Amid Calf-Injury in PAK vs ENG 2nd Test 2026.
England held a commanding 357-run lead by the end of Day 3 (Saturday, August 29, 2026) at Lord's, putting immense pressure on the visiting side. Imam's expected absence from the second innings further complicates Pakistan's daunting task of chasing a formidable total.
Imam-ul-Haq's injury is a significant blow to Pakistan's prospects in the Lord's Test and potentially for the remainder of the series. The team will now need to find a way to cope with the loss of their experienced opener as they battle to stay afloat in the contest against a dominant England side. His recovery timeline will be closely monitored by the team management and fans alike.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 30, 2026 02:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
