"The selectors will breathe a sigh of relief" - Nasser Hussain on Kamran Ghulam scoring a ton on debut during 2nd PAK vs ENG 2024 TestÂ
Former England captain Nasser Hussain remarked that the newly formed Pakistan selection committee will be relieved after one of their brave calls has paid off early in the ongoing second Test in Multan. After their debacle in the series opener, the brave call to drop star players like Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi was taken.
The Men in Green named a spin-heavy bowling attack for the used pitch, while debutant Kamran Ghulam took over the No.4 position in the batting unit. Initially, it seemed that Pakistan were headed towards the same route after being reduced to 19/2 following their decision to bat first.
However, Kamran Ghulam, coming in with a huge reputation and a first-class average of 49.17, showcased his ability. The right-handed batter stitched together an innings-saving partnership with Saim Ayub, and recorded a memorable ton on his debut. He scored 118 runs off 224 deliveries before being dismissed by Shoaib Bashir.
"Firstly, a more enjoyable day of watching, it is much more watchable when there is something, either reverse swing or a little bit of spin," Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports at the end of the day's play.
"Without sitting on the fence, I honestly think both sides will walk off going 'We've done ok there'...For the turmoil you say about Pakistan cricket and the few weeks they've had, losing six in a row. Picking people on debut like Kamran immediately getting a hundred replacing Babar Azam one of the all-time greats of Pakistan cricket - the selectors will breathe a sigh of relief with that one," he added.
Pakistan crumbled in the final session, but managed to reach 256-5 at Stumps on Day 1 to be in control of the proceedings for the time being. The Men in Green will look to post a commanding total on board and look to put pressure on England, who will have to bat last on the used pitch.
Babar Azam also lauded Kamran Ghulam's well-compiled hundred
Omitted from the squad for the remainder of the series, Babar Azam has to watch the proceedings from the sidelines. Debutant Kamran Ghulam has now made a huge statement with a sublime ton on debut, batting at the former skipper's position.
Babar Azam was struggling for runs and did not look in rhythm even on flat surfaces. With his last red-ball fifty coming in late 2022, and a horrid run of form in the ongoing home season, the selectors made the controversial decision to drop the ace batter from the squad altogether.
Babar lauded his replacement's knock with a story on Instagram, which he captioned, "Well played, Kamran"