"He's got a bit of Steve Smith about him" - Nasser Hussain hails Kamran Ghulam on sensational maiden century in 2nd ENG vs PAK Test 2024
Former player Nasser Hussain praised Pakistan Test debutant Kamran Ghulam for his magnificent century on Day 1 (October 15) of the second Test against England in Multan. The 29-year-old came in as ace batter Babar Azam's replacement at No. 4 amid much speculation among fans and experts.
Yet, Ghulam showed no signs of nerves as he walked out to bat when Pakistan were in trouble at 19/2. The right-handed batter reached his century off 192 deliveries and was eventually dismissed for a 224-ball 118, including 11 boundaries and a maximum.
Speaking to Sky Sports at the end of the first day's play, Hussain compared Ghulam's batting to Australian great Steve Smith, saying:
"Pakistan players generally love the sweep shot, he's got that in his locker. He used his feet as well. He's got a bit of Steve Smith about him when he defends the ball and charges. He's got a bit of swagger about him." (as quoted by India Today)
Hussain added:
"He had to wait his turn. He's been scoring prolific runs in the last three years. He got the right balance between attack and defense. They lost a couple of early wickets - on debut you want to get out there and that will have helped him. "
Kamran Ghulam's heroics helped Pakistan finish Day 1 on a solid 259/5 in 90 overs on a challenging Multan track.
"I'd been waiting for my chance a long time but I never gave up" - Kamran Ghulam
Kamran Ghulam said he never gave up despite being on the doorstep of playing for Pakistan several times and wanted to maximize his performance when presented with an opportunity.
Before the ongoing Test, the 29-year-old had played only one ODI for Pakistan, as a concussion substitute for Haris Sohail, during their fielding innings against New Zealand last year.
After a brilliant century on his Test debut, Ghulam said at a press conference, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo:
"I'd been waiting for my chance a long time but I never gave up. I had been waiting for my chance. That's all I thought about. I kept being selected and then omitted from squads, and all I used to think about was how to take the chance I'd been given. When I came to the wicket we'd lost two wickets. But I wanted to play with a positive mind like I do in first-class cricket. That was at the back of my mind, and I wanted to play my natural game."
Kamran Ghulam boasts an impressive first-class record with 4,377 runs in 59 matches at an average of 49.17, including 16 centuries and 20 half-centuries.