Tue Oct 15 18:54:46 UTC 2024: ## Kamran Ghulam Stuns With Century on Test Debut, Replacing Out-of-Form Babar Azam
**Multan, Pakistan:** In a surprising move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made significant changes to its squad for the second and third Test matches against England, dropping captain Babar Azam and bringing in uncapped batter Kamran Ghulam. The 29-year-old Ghulam, who made his Test debut in the second Test, emphatically justified his selection by scoring a century in his first innings.
Ghulam’s impressive century came on the very day that Babar Azam celebrated his birthday, making the occasion even more memorable for the debutant. With a solid track record in domestic cricket, Ghulam had accumulated 4377 runs in 98 innings at an average of 49.17 and a strike rate of 53.04. He also has 20 half-centuries and 16 centuries to his credit, with his highest score being 166 runs. Ghulam’s all-round abilities were further showcased with 28 wickets in first-class cricket.
Babar Azam has been struggling with form in Test matches, prompting his exclusion from the squad. While former captain Ramiz Raja had criticized the decision, claiming that no one could replace Babar, Ghulam’s sensational performance on debut effectively silenced the critics.
Ghulam’s remarkable century helped Pakistan to a strong start in the second Test match, setting the stage for an exciting contest between the two teams.
First Piper 