Pakistan's left-handed opening batter Imam-ul-Haq's participation in the remainder of the second Test against England at Lord's remains in doubt after he suffered a low-grade calf strain. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed in a statement that Imam suffered a strain to his left calf muscle while fielding on the opening day of the Test on Friday. Scans later confirmed a low-grade calf strain, with the 30-year-old currently receiving treatment under the supervision of Pakistan's medical team. The PCB said Imam's participation in the remainder of the Test will depend on his recovery following treatment.
Pakistan dominated the opening day despite only 56 overs being bowled because of rain and bad light. Rain delayed the toss and start of play, while poor light forced an early close, around an hour before the scheduled finish. At stumps, England were struggling at 248-9, with Gus Atkinson unbeaten on 34 and Josh Tongue on one. Pakistan's pace trio of Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas made a significant impact during the final 12-over session, restricting England to 68 runs for four wickets.
The hosts resumed the final session at 180-5, with Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith at the crease. Cox and Smith added only seven runs to their sixth-wicket partnership before Shahzad dismissed Cox, who was brilliantly caught by substitute fielder Salman Ali Agha at second slip. Cox top-scored among England's batters with 55 off 105 balls, hitting seven boundaries. Smith then added 35 runs for the seventh wicket with Atkinson before Ali dismissed him in the 53rd over.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to field, with the decision paying dividends as the visitors' bowling attack controlled the opening session. England openers Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay initially added 21 runs inside five overs before Abbas had Gay caught behind. Abbas struck again in his next over to dismiss Duckett for 17 off 20 balls, reducing England to 26-2 as the bowling unit maintained relentless pressure.