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.

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 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, who begin their World Cup campaign against West Indies – also at Trent Bridge – on May 31.