"Show Ghulam's picture to Michael Vaughan and tell him he is there" - Basit Ali hails Kamran Ghulam for brilliant century in 2nd ENG vs PAK Test 2024
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali praised Test debutant Kamran Ghulam for his incredible century in his maiden innings on Day 1 of the second Test against England in Multan on Tuesday, August 15. Basit also responded to former England captain Michael Vaughan, who termed Babar Azam's exclusion a 'stupid decision'.
After losing a sixth consecutive Test in the series opener against England, the Pakistan selectors replaced Babar with Ghulam at No. 4. The move did not sit well with Vaughan and several former Pakistan players.
Former captain Ramiz Raja said Babar's exclusion will not help Pakistan sell cricket as a viable product.
Responding to such remarks and hailing Ghulam's century, Basit Ali took to his YouTube channel at the end of Day 1 of the second Test and said via TOI [7:00]:
"The best thing about the knock was that he (Ghulam) came out to bat when the score was 19/2. They were saying before the match that it was wrong to rest Babar, sponsors won't come. Show Ghulam's picture to Michael Vaughan and tell him he is there."
"PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi will be very happy today. He had given a statement that 'there is no replacement at the moment'. But (selectors) Aaqib Javed & co introduced a new kid and he made a century on debut. The bold decision taken by the selectors can lead to betterment (of Pakistan cricket). Like Rohit Sharma had said there (in India), give domestic cricket it's due," he added [4:00].
Ghulam had impressed for years in first-class cricket with over 4,000 runs at an average of almost 50 in 59 outings.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan management confirmed before the second Test that Babar was only being rested and not dropped.
Kamran Ghulam's heroics help Pakistan recover from early trouble on Day 1
Kamran Ghulam's heroics rescued Pakistan from a poor start at 19/2 and helped them finish on 259/5 at stumps on Day 1.
Apart from his century, Pakistan also received a valuable 77 from young opener Saim Ayub. The duo added 149 for the third wicket to resurrect Pakistan's innings.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan overcame a poor first Test to remain unbeaten on 37 as Pakistan and England shared honors at the end of the first day.
As for England, the pacers Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse toiled hard to pick up a wicket each at a combined economy rate of under two. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir had an off day before picking up Ghulam at the waning stages of the opening day. Left-arm spinner Jack Leach was the pick of England's bowlers with figures of 2/92 in 28 overs.
England won the opening Test by an innings and 47 runs to lead the three-match series 1-0.