Ghualm's debut ton lifts Pakistan against England in second Test
Cricket
Pakistan has decided to go with spin dominant playing XI.
MULTAN (Dunya News) – Kamran Ghulam made a splendid 118 to help Pakistan to 259-5 on first day of the second Test against England at Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Pakistan suffered early blows when opener Abdullah Shafique was dismissed for 7, Shan Masood for three and Saud Shakeel for four runs.
However, Saim Ayub and Kamran Ghulam stitched the much-needed partnership of 149 runs, helping their side to recover from early pressure. England managed to break apart the partnership when Saim was caught out for 77.
Ghulam, who was added to the national playing XI as Babar Azam’s replacement, maintained the momentum and completed his debut century. He also shared 65-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan before he was sent packing by Shoaib Bashir.
Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha will resume second day game at 259.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat in the second Test against England. The visitors lead the three-match series 1-0 after crushing Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs.
The second Test is not just being played in the same ground but also on the same surface where the first Test was played.
Pakistan has made four changes to the side. Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmad have been replaced by Kamran Ghulam (debutant), Nouman Ali, Zahid Mehmood and Sajid Khan.
Pakistan has decided to go with spin dominant playing XI, while they have only played pace bowling all-rounder, Aamir Jamal.
Ben Stokes is leading the English side as he is back from the hamstring injury that he suffered in The Hundred league.
England has also made two changes to their playing side. They have rested Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes bringing the captain Stokes back to side along with Matthew Potts.
Pakistan XI:
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Zahid Mehmood
England XI:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir
