PAK vs ENG 2024: Debutant Kamran Ghulam blasts a century

In his Test debut, Kamran Ghulam struck a century after taking Babar Azam's spot in Pakistan's playing XI against England. Although the 29-year-old averaged 49.17 in first-class cricket and performed admirably in the local circuit, he was never considered for Test cricket. Ahmed Shahzad and other former cricket players suggested that the PCB give him a shot, but Ghulam never got the chance because Babar was firmly established at number four.

Ghulam took advantage of the fact that Babar was dropped due to poor performance, becoming the second player from Pakistan to hit a Test century on debut while batting at number four after Saleem Malik (1982 vs Sri Lanka). Additionally, he became the 13th player from Pakistan and the 116th cricketer to make a century in his first Test match. 

Kamran Ghulam shows off his skills:

Special moment for Kamran Ghulam! 🌟

He brings up a stellar 💯 on debut with his family watching 🙌#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/Y1hrau9D7w

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 15, 2024

Notably, when Ghulam entered the game on 19/2, Pakistan was having trouble. The hosts were under a lot of strain after losing the first game by a humiliating inning and 47 runs at the same location. They had also started the second Test poorly. But at that point, Ghulam and Saim Ayub formed a solid 149-run partnership that helped Pakistan escape trouble. He took a while to calm down, but in order to relieve the pressure, he also disciplined bad balls. After Ayub left for 77, Ghulam was once again responsible for saving the team. When spinner Shoaib Bashir overcame him, he ultimately finished with 118 runs.

When Pakistan needed a middle-order player to step up, Ghulam was the perfect fit, which should boost his confidence and make Babar more anxious. To improve future outcomes, the Shan Masood-led team must also make significant investments in him.

Pakistan finished the day at 259/5, with Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman remaining undefeated at 37 and 5, respectively. Although the hosts would be happy with their performance, England, the visitors, would have preferred to take more wickets on the first day.

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