NEW DELHI: Former England captain Nasser Hussain was fast to heap reward on Pakistan’s Check debutant Kamran Ghulam, drawing comparisons to Australia’s Steve Smith for the 29-year-old’s steadiness of aggression and resilience on the crease.
Ghulam made an unforgettable influence on Tuesday, guiding his group out of early hassle with a masterful century towards England within the second Check at Multan.
Nasser Hussain, talking on Sky Sports activities, praised Ghulam’s adaptability in tough situations. “He needed to wait his flip. He is been scoring prolific runs within the final three years. He obtained the appropriate steadiness between assault and defence,” Hussain mentioned.
Hussain was significantly struck by Ghulam’s “swagger” on the crease, noting how the debutant seamlessly switched between attacking strokes and defensive solidity. He likened Ghulam’s footwork and defensive method to that of Steve Smith, including, “He is obtained a little bit of Steve Smith about him when he defends the ball and costs. He is obtained a little bit of swagger about him.”
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Ghulam was introduced into the squad as a substitute for Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam, and he rose to the event in spectacular trend.
His innings of 118 off 224 balls was the spine of Pakistan’s restoration after they discovered themselves reeling at 19 for two.
By stumps on Day 1, Pakistan had clawed their technique to 259/5, thanks largely to Ghulam’s decided knock.
Going through a probing England assault, Ghulam dealt with stress with ease.
Jack Leach, who had eliminated each Pakistani openers, was expertly neutralised by Ghulam. His 149-run stand with Saim Ayub (77) was crucial in stabilising Pakistan’s innings.
Ghulam’s century, which got here off 192 balls, was a gritty show of psychological toughness and technical ability.
His innings included 11 boundaries and a six, with frequent strike rotation to maintain England’s bowlers beneath stress. It was a debut to recollect—one which not solely gave Pakistan hope but additionally hinted at a brilliant future for Ghulam on the worldwide stage.