Pakistan's Imam-ul-Haq receives all-clear after nasty elbow blow

Pakistan was fearful after Imam-ul-Haq hurt his elbow playing against England, but an X-ray showed no serious damage.

Opener Imam-ul-Haq had to retire hurt after he was struck a painful blow on the elbow by England fast bowler Mark Wood.

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has received the all-clear after suffering a nasty blow to the elbow against England in the fourth ODI at Trent Bridge.

Imam was forced to retire hurt in the fourth over on Friday when a short ball from Mark Wood caught him flush on the left elbow.

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The 23-year-old was in clear discomfort after the injury and taken to hospital for a precautionary X-ray, raising doubts over his fitness for the upcoming Cricket World Cup, but Pakistan later reported he had avoided serious damage.

A post on the official Twitter page of the Pakistan Cricket Board read: "Imam injury update. Imam-ul-Haq taken to hospital for X-ray. All X-rays are clear. Swelling on his left arm only."

Imam injury update

Imam taken to hospital for precautionary Xray. Further update will be provided later.#ENGvPAK

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 17, 2019

Imam later returned to the middle at Trent Bridge, playing out Pakistan's last couple of overs with heavy strapping on his injured elbow.

The news is a welcome boost for Pakistan, which begins its World Cup campaign against West Indies – also at Trent Bridge – on May 31.