Ghulam’s Debut Century Lifts Pakistan as England Stays Competitive

A spirited hundred by Kamran Ghulam on his Test debut gave Pakistan cricket a much-needed fillip on the opening day of the second Test against England in Multan. However, Ghulam, who was late for the start of 118, inspired his team with his batting alongside Saim Ayub who scored on career-best of 77 and Mohammad Rizwan, who remained unbeaten on 37 took Pakistan to 259 for five wickets at the end of the day. England’s bowlers, with Leach’s early wickets and the odd burst of premier evening conditions, kept the tourist’s interest ticking all day.

Ghulam’s story of strength

This time Ghulam started at a very tricky situation for Pakistan at 19/2 after Jack Leach’s double breakthrough. The 29-year-old debutant seemed to know the conditions well and got to his fifty off 104 balls. Part of his composed batting was a six off Leach and a patient build-up against both spin and pace.

Ghulam’s century, made with a leg-side shot of Joe Root, put him on the list of second second-oldest Pakistani to score a hundred on debut. He then had good company in Saim Ayub for company to stabilize the innings, and later he got the support from Mohammad Rizwan to try and build a total on what seems like a spinner-friendly wicket.

England is Showing Another Different Bowling Combination

A three-pronged seam attack from Durham troubled England throughout as Stokes returned to the side. Leach was brilliant yet again and that helped England get the early breakthrough as he picked up two wickets. The seamers especially during reverse-swing applied a lot of pressure on the Pakistani batsman.

Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts were also useful with the ball and Shoaib Bashir, though not as economical as the other bowler, removed Ghulam just before the close of the day. There were flashes of brilliance in England’s fielding, however, they dropped Ghulam and they wasted a review against Rizwan.