Last Updated on 1 hour ago by Charbel Coorey
Stuart Broad believes Imam-ul-Haq’s batting practice before day four at Lord’s was “all for show”. Imam did not bat in the Test after he was ruled out with a calf strain. He came onto the field ahead of the fourth day’s play to face throwdowns with what looked to be tape or a compression bandage on his left leg.
Broad was less than impressed. Speaking on Sky Sports’ live coverage, the former England pace bowler was quick to dismiss Imam’s practice as performative.
“That is all for show,” Broad said. “He’s had a bit of stick from the media and maybe team-mates. You can do that (practice) in an indoor school without anyone seeing, you don’t have to wear shorts, a bit of tape and hobble around like that. I’m sorry I’m not impressed by that.”
Fans, pundits join Stuart Broad in criticism of opener Imam-ul-Haq
The “stick” Broad refers to relate to comments from Mohammad Wasim and Faisal Iqbal.
Wasim, former Pakistan chief selector, alleges Imam has a history of faking injuries. “Imam was not genuinely injured at Lord’s. He keeps faking injury. In the 2022 Multan Test, the physio had already warned me that Imam was likely to fake an injury soon. And he did exactly that,” Wasim said.
“If @nassercricket would have asked me I would have already told him yesterday when Imam faked injury & went off after looking at green Pitch, that he will NOT come to bat!!” wrote Iqbal on X (formerly Twitter).
“That much I know him as I was the head coach of Balochistan team for 2 years & I have seen all his dramas!”
Fans have also not minced words in reaction to Imam’s batting practice. The Pakistan opener has been subject to criticism, contrasting his actions to players in years gone by who have battled through injury for the team’s cause.
“I’ve seen guys bat with broken arms, broken toes, sprained backs. Never seen someone come out to practice just to show he’s injured, then not bat anyway. How pathetic can you be?!,” wrote one fan on X.
“Stuart Broad’s observation about Imam’s behaviour is spot on. He’s not questioning the injury or raising doubts; he’s simply highlighting a valid point about Imam’s individual demeanour,” wrote another.
England’s bowlers were too good again on a helpful Lord’s pitch, dismissing Pakistan for 194 to win by 194 runs. Ollie Robinson won player of the match with match figures of 8/35 as the hosts took an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
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