Kamran Ghulam scored a century on his debut against England
Kamran Ghulam made a memorable international debut by scoring a patient century on Day 1 of the second Test between Pakistan and England at the Multan Cricket Stadium on October 15. Coming in at a crucial time after Pakistan lost two early wickets, Ghulam showcased remarkable composure, scoring 118 runs off 224 balls, including 11 fours and one six.
Ghulam’s journey to this debut took nearly four years, a frustrating wait that he believes ultimately prepared him for the challenges of international cricket. He credited his extensive experience in domestic cricket for honing his skills and temperament, which he felt were crucial in handling the pressure at the international level.
“It has been frustrating waiting for nearly four years to finally get a chance to play for Pakistan. I had so much passion and wanted to do well when I got the chance,” Ghulam expressed, noting that consistent performances in domestic cricket equipped him to succeed on the big stage.
Overcoming the Pressure of Replacing Babar Azam
The weight of expectation on Ghulam was amplified by the fact that he was replacing Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star player, who was dropped after a prolonged slump in form. Acknowledging the added pressure of stepping into Babar’s shoes, Ghulam emphasized that his desire to succeed for his country outweighed any anxiety he felt.
“Yes, the pressure was there playing in his (Babar’s) place, but I think the desire I had to succeed overrode that pressure,” Ghulam stated confidently, reflecting on the significance of his performance.
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Ghulam’s century not only silenced critics who questioned the selectors’ decision to drop Babar but also highlighted his potential as a valuable asset for the national team. A national selector expressed satisfaction with Ghulam’s performance, saying, “I am just happy that he got his chance at last and he grabbed it with both hands.”
On Day 1, alongside Ghulam, Saim Ayub contributed a solid 77 runs off 160 balls, helping Pakistan finish the day at 259/5 after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha will now look to build on this foundation and push for a formidable first-innings total.
