Imam-ul-Haq cleared of serious injury as rain blights Pakistan warm-up

Imam-ul-Haq will be fit to play in Pakistan's Test series against England despite an injury scare on the first day of their intra-squad warm-up match at Derby.

Imam, who looks set to be the back-up opener behind Abid Ali and Shan Masood, was forced to retire hurt on Friday evening after being struck on the left hand by a ball from Naseem Shah, but was able to take part in a warm-up session in the morning and will resume his innings on the third day.

Pakistan's preparations for the series were hit by rain on the second day of the warm-up match, with only 35 minutes' play possible after a downpour shortly before the scheduled start washed out the first two session.

Umpires Steve O'Shaughnessy and Alex Wharf decided play could begin at 4pm but after seven overs, more heavy rain set in with Team White 108 for 3 in reply to Team Green's 113.

With two days remaining in the game, the tourists will want the batsmen who are expected to play in the first Test to spend time in the middle after they failed in Team Green's first innings.

Abid, Masood and captain Azhar Ali were all dismissed for single-figure scores by experienced pace bowler Sohail Khan who took 5 for 37 in 16 overs.

Only Babar Azam batted for any length of time on the same pitch that was used for the first warm-up match, facing 77 balls for his 32.

The outlook is better for Sunday, but rain is expected to ruin the final day on Monday.