Aaqib Javed calls for Imam injury inquiry, defends Pakistan's Test squad overhaul

Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed has called for an inquiry into Imam-ul-Haq's calf injury after the opener was unable to bat in either innings of the second Test against England at Lord's. Javed also defended Pakistan's decision to recall seven players from England following consecutive defeats in the series.

Imam suffered the injury while fielding on the opening day and did not return to bat during Pakistan's 194-run defeat. Speaking to Geo TV on Tuesday, Javed questioned how the opener could miss both innings after pulling up with a muscle problem.

"An inquiry will be conducted into this matter," Javed said. "How is it possible that you failed to come out to bat in both innings after pulling up a muscle?"

Former chief selector Mohammad Wasim was among those to raise concerns over Imam's injury. The opener was seen on the field before play on Sunday, but was visibly limping while shadow-batting, with his left calf heavily strapped.

The injury controversy comes after Pakistan made sweeping changes to their squad and coaching staff following defeats at Headingley and Lord's. Seven players were recalled from England, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul also departed.

WHAT LED TO THE PAK TEST OVERHAUL?

Javed said Pakistan could not afford to continue with the same combination after two heavy defeats. The selectors brought in five uncapped players, while openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal were also recalled, with the seven replacements having only 10 Tests of combined experience.

"We can't just keep waiting," Javed said.

The selector also revealed that he had spoken to Babar Azam and the coach after the first Test about making changes to the Lord's XI. Javed wanted fast-bowling all-rounder Ubaid Shah and wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori included, while Mohammad Rizwan was left out.

"I had actually spoken to both the captain and the coach after the first Test, suggesting they include Ubaid, who bowls at 140 kph," Javed said. "Agha was rightly rested, Ghazi Ghori was available on the tour and should have played instead of Rizwan."

His comments add to reports of differences between the selection committee and the team management over the playing XI for the second Test. Javed's recommendations were not fully followed, with Salman Ali Agha eventually dropped but Rizwan retained.

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER RESET FOR PAKISTAN

The latest changes come after another difficult period for Pakistan cricket, with coaching and selection decisions repeatedly changing around the team. Sarfaraz was removed after only two Test series in charge, while Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will now take responsibility for the final match of the series.

The visitors will head into Birmingham 2-0 down and with a significantly changed squad. Hesson and Noffke will take charge of the third Test, which begins at Edgbaston on September 9, as Pakistan look to avoid a series clean sweep against England.

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