Pakistan Cricket Board made a bold decision and rested their marquee player Babar Azam, who was struggling with poor form. Babar, hasn’t scored a half-century in his last 18 Test innings and he has been left out of Pakistan’s squad for the matches against England. Since the start of 2023, he has averaged just below 21 in nine Test matches. He was well short of the desired level in the first Test against England, with scores of 30 and 5 on a dead Multan wicket. Against his last eight innings at home, where most cricketers have feasted, Babar has had an average of just 18.75.
Kamran Ghulam Shines With Century On Debut
The debutant Kamran Ghulam impressed everyone with a stellar century, he was named as the replacement of Babar Azam. His long wait came to an end after an consistently performing in domestic cricket for the last 4 years. The tricky wicket did not stop Kamran as he played with confidence and helped Pakistan reach at the score of 259 for 5 at stumps on Day 1 on the second Test against England.
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Ghulam appeared composed against the bowlers of England and ended the day on 118 runs off 224 balls with 11 fours and a six.
Special moment for Kamran Ghulam! 🌟
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 15, 2024
He brings up a stellar 💯 on debut with his family watching 🙌#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/Y1hrau9D7w
What Did Kamran Ghulam Say After Coming As Replacement Of Babar Azam?
“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,” Kamran told the media.
“I waited patiently as I knew sooner or later I would get my chance. I think years of grinding it out in domestic cricket has given me the temperament and skills to play on all sorts of pitches and all types of bowlers.”
“Just the habit of getting runs in domestic cricket prepares you for the big stage rest is all about temperament and handling the pressure,” he added.
“Yes the pressure was there playing in his (Babar) place but I think the desire I had to succeed overrode that pressure.”
“I am just happy that he (Kamran Ghulam) got his chance at last and he grabbed it with both hands,” a national selector said.
Can Kamran Ghulam Fill In The Shoes Of Babar Azam?
It is too early to have a strict view that Kamran Ghulam is the right replacement of Babar Azam.
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Ghulam has definitely shown the potential to do wonders but the stature of Babar Azam is quite high, he has played some of the most incredible knocks for Pakistan and even though he has been struggling from slump form but the calibre and capability he carries is very crucial for Pakistan’s batting lineup.
In Tests, Babar Azam has scored 3997 runs in 55 matches, this includes 9 centuries and 26 half centuries.
(With PTI Inputs)
