WEB DESK: On the first day of the second Test against England, Pakistan posted a solid total of 259 runs for the loss of five wickets, thanks largely to a brilliant century from Ghulam, who scored 118 in his debut match following the surprising exclusion of Babar Azam from the squad.
Ghulam’s performance dispelled doubts about the pitch’s playability, which had previously aided England in their innings victory just a week earlier. Despite a shaky start, with spinner Jack Leach reducing Pakistan to 19 for 2 in the opening ten overs, Ghulam and Saim Ayub (77) partnered to stabilize the innings with a remarkable third-wicket stand of 149 runs.
After losing Ayub and Saud Shakeel in quick succession, Ghulam continued to build on his innings, showcasing his determination and skill. The English spinners struggled to make an impact, while the seamers, particularly captain Ben Stokes—playing his first Test since July—were impressive, effectively utilizing reverse swing to trouble the Pakistani batsmen.
Ghulam formed another vital partnership of 65 runs with wicketkeeper Mohammed Rizwan, who narrowly avoided dismissal after an edge off Matthew Potts went unreviewed. In the closing moments of the day, Shoaib Bashir, who had faced challenges earlier, managed to bowl Ghulam, leaving the match intriguingly poised.
The decision to reuse the pitch from the first Test raised questions, but it resulted in a compelling contest that was far more engaging than England’s record-breaking run-scoring from the previous week. This unusual scenario kept spectators guessing, with both teams adopting contrasting strategies.
Pakistan opted for a spin-heavy lineup, banking on favorable conditions, while England’s choice of three seamers proved effective, particularly during the afternoon session. Early indications suggested a spin-dominated match as Leach took two wickets in his first 16 deliveries, but what followed was a gripping contest with runs available and pace playing a critical role.
Despite the challenging conditions, there was optimism for Pakistan as the pitch is expected to deteriorate further, complicating England’s task of batting last. Currently, Pakistan holds a slight edge, but England remains well-positioned to limit the innings and mount a strong batting response.
For Ghulam, who had been playing for the Barnsley-based Hoylandswaine Cricket Club earlier this year, stepping into Babar’s shoes was no small feat. His century made him the 13th Pakistani player to score a hundred on debut, reflecting his poise and exceptional ability.
After the dismissals of Abdullah Shafique and captain Shan Masood, Ghulam and Ayub countered England’s early pressure by attacking the spinners and employing effective sweeps. It was only against the pace bowlers that Ghulam appeared momentarily uncomfortable. He survived a close call after a close catch opportunity slipped through Ben Duckett’s fingers when he was on 79.
Ghulam celebrated reaching his century—coming off 192 balls—with palpable emotion as he directed his joy toward the home dressing room. As the day drew to a close, he looked set to remain at the crease alongside Rizwan but was ultimately bowled by Bashir, leaving fans eager for what the next day would bring.
