Kamran Ghulam's Dream Debut: Century on Test Bow for Pakistan

Kamran Ghulam’s Dream Debut: Century on Test Bow for Pakistan

Kamran Ghulam’s unwavering determination to represent Pakistan in international cricket has finally borne fruit. After 11 years of toil in domestic cricket, the 29-year-old made a remarkable Test debut, becoming the 13th Pakistani to score a century on his first appearance.

Ghulam’s journey to the international stage has been marked by patience and perseverance. Despite being repeatedly overlooked for selection, he never lost sight of his dream. “I’d been waiting for my chance a long time but I never gave up,” he said. “I had been waiting for my chance. That’s all I thought about.”

His debut came under immense pressure, replacing the injured Babar Azam. With Pakistan struggling at 19 for 2, Ghulam walked out to face the daunting England spinners. However, he remained unfazed, drawing on his vast experience in domestic cricket.

Ghulam’s first-class record is impressive, with only 12 players scoring more runs in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy since his debut in 2013. His average of nearly 50 places him among the elite batsmen in Pakistan.

In his Test debut, Ghulam showcased his aggressive style, banking his shots before lunch and setting the platform for a crucial partnership with Saim Ayub. He then built another solid stand with Mohammad Rizwan, reaching his century with a stylish slap over midwicket off Joe Root.

Ghulam’s innings of 118, his 17th first-class hundred, was a testament to his hard work and determination. “I’ve scored a lot of first-class runs,” he said. “I didn’t care about the venue or the team, I just needed to make my debut.”

Despite the pressure of replacing a legend like Babar Azam, Ghulam remained focused on giving his best. “Babar is a very good player and at the back of my mind I was thinking he’s a legend, a very good player,” he said. “But I thought I’d give 110% and play with a positive mindset.”

Ghulam’s debut century has not only fulfilled his long-held dream but also given Pakistan a much-needed boost in the ongoing Test series against England. His performance is a reminder that perseverance and hard work can overcome any obstacle.

Yashasvi Jaiswal's Hunger for Success Impresses Rohit Sharma

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Hunger for Success Impresses Rohit Sharma

India’s Test captain, Rohit Sharma, has expressed his admiration for the remarkable performances of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Since his debut in mid-2023, Jaiswal has amassed 1217 runs in 11 Tests, including three centuries, at an impressive average of 64.05.

Rohit attributes Jaiswal’s success to his insatiable hunger for learning and his determination to excel at the highest level. “I am not surprised at all because the guy has got real talent,” Rohit said. “He has got the game to play in all sorts of conditions.”

Jaiswal’s breakout series came against England earlier this year, where he scored over 700 runs across five Tests. Rohit believes that Jaiswal has all the ingredients for success at the international level. “He is somebody who wants to learn the game, learn about batsmanship,” Rohit said. “When a youngster comes into the team, his mindset is quite critical.”

Rohit also highlighted the importance of Jaiswal’s left-handedness, which provides India with a different option in the batting lineup. “He has played a lot of domestic cricket, under-19 cricket. He has succeeded as well, and that is why he is playing for India,” Rohit said. “It does obviously well for our team as well him being a left-hander, being an aggressive batter.”

While Rohit is impressed with Jaiswal’s early performances, he also cautioned him about the challenges that lie ahead. “It is just about how he manages himself in the next couple of years,” Rohit said. “But what he has shown us in this brief period of time, you can bet on him to do wonders for the team.”

Ravindra Set for Special Test Debut in Bengaluru, City of His Family's Roots

Ravindra Set for Special Test Debut in Bengaluru, City of His Family’s Roots

Rachin Ravindra, the India-origin all-rounder, is set to make a special Test debut in Bengaluru against India, the city where his family hails from. Ravindra, who turns 25 in November, made his Test debut in 2021 against India in Kanpur.

“I guess it makes it extra significant because of the family connection,” said Ravindra. “It’s amazing and I am very proud of my Indian heritage and to be able to play where a lot of my family is based is something very special.”

Ravindra has had a promising start to his international career, scoring 672 runs in 9 Tests at an average of 50.98, including one century and three half-centuries. He has also played 25 ODIs and 23 T20Is.

“There will be a bunch of them (family members) in the crowd, and I know dad will be here watching,” added Ravindra. “Those moments, you pinch yourself on the journey and this is definitely one of them.”

Ravindra announced himself in a big way during the ODI World Cup in India last year, scoring 578 runs in 10 matches that included three centuries. He then went on to represent the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League earlier this year, scoring 222 runs.

“Obviously when I was here last, there was the IPL and then before that it was the ODI World Cup. Two pretty cool experiences to have. (I was) part of two very good teams and had those experiences but I guess it’s something different about playing a Test match,” said Ravindra. “You are here for five days, it’s tradition, Test cricket is the pinnacle. So it’s always nice to play Test cricket, not just in New Zealand but also away.”

Ravindra’s useful spin bowling has also yielded 10 Test wickets so far. He is expected to play a key role in New Zealand’s quest to win their first Test series in India since 1969.

Abhimanyu Easwaran: Determined to Earn Elusive Test Cap

Abhimanyu Easwaran, a prolific run-scorer for Bengal in domestic cricket, has been patiently awaiting his Test debut for India. Despite an impressive record of 7506 runs in 98 first-class games at an average of 47.65, the elusive Test cap remains out of reach.

As the Ranji Trophy approaches, India’s search for a back-up opener for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy intensifies. Easwaran remains determined to earn his place, focusing on controlling the controllables. “I try and focus on one day at a time. The dream has always been to play for the country,” he says.

Easwaran’s recent performances in the Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup have showcased his talent. He scored 157 not out, 116, and 19 in the Duleep Trophy, followed by a remarkable 191 in the Irani Cup against Mumbai.

Despite his impressive performances, Easwaran acknowledges that selection is beyond his control. “I can just control the things which I have in control – that is how hard I work, look forward to the games, and prepare for it,” he says.

Easwaran has gained valuable experience as part of the Indian Test team, including the historic victory over England at Lord’s in 2021. He has observed the meticulous preparation of senior batters like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, learning from their specific game plans and practice routines.

The ‘A’ tours have played a crucial role in India’s Test success, providing players with exposure to international cricket and overseas conditions. Easwaran believes these tours are a “great bridge between domestic cricket and international cricket.”

Easwaran fondly recalls his century against England Lions in 2019, where he partnered with KL Rahul. He also praises the aggressive intent displayed by the Indian team in the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, where they chased down 95 on day five to secure a remarkable victory.

Easwaran believes that Test cricket remains vital, especially with the World Test Championship points at stake. “Every Test match is more like a World Cup game,” he says. “Red-ball cricket will keep going like this and a lot of people will keep watching it, I’m sure.”

Brydon Carse's Maiden Test Wickets in Multan Heat

Brydon Carse’s Maiden Test Wickets in Multan Heat

Brydon Carse’s maiden Test wickets in Multan were a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the oppressive heat and a two-day trial, Carse emerged with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Carse’s debut performance was marked by patience and perseverance. After a first-day lbw verdict against Shan Masood was overturned on review, he remained undeterred. In his final two spells, he claimed the wickets of Naseem Shah and Aamer Jamal, capping off a spirited effort in challenging conditions.

England’s bowlers faced an uphill battle against Pakistan’s imposing first-innings total of 556. However, they maintained their discipline until the end, preventing a more significant deficit. Carse acknowledged the physical toll the heat and wicket took on the team, but emphasized the importance of hydration and recovery.

Despite the absence of reverse-swing, Carse remained optimistic about England’s chances. He believes that if the ball starts reversing in the second innings, they can set different fields and put pressure on Pakistan’s attack.

Reflecting on his maiden Test stint, Carse admitted to feeling disappointed by the overturned lbw appeal against Masood. However, he and his teammates remained focused on their task, and his breakthrough moment came when Naseem Shah edged a lifter to Harry Brook at leg slip.

England faces an uphill battle in the match, but Carse remains confident. He believes that Zak Crawley’s flying start to their first innings provides a glimmer of hope. With two full days of cricket remaining, Carse is determined to fight for a positive result.

Abhimanyu Easwaran's Century Boosts Test Debut Hopes

Abhimanyu Easwaran’s Century Boosts Test Debut Hopes

Abhimanyu Easwaran, the talented right-handed batsman from Bengal, has strengthened his case for a Test debut with a magnificent century for Rest of India against Mumbai in the Irani Cup. Easwaran, who replaced Ruturaj Gaikwad in India’s squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa last year, has been consistently performing at the domestic level.

Easwaran’s century, which came off 117 balls, is his third in as many games. He scored two centuries in the recently concluded Duleep Trophy. The 29-year-old has been among the top run-getters for Bengal in the domestic circuit, with his breakthrough season coming in 2018-19 when he scored over 800 runs in the Ranji Trophy.

Easwaran’s forte is red-ball cricket, but he has also been a steady performer in List A cricket. He has represented India A in multiple tours, showcasing his potential to break into the Indian national team. He was named in the standby list for India’s Test squad during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 against Australia and was part of the squad for the England Test series in 2021 and 2022.

With India set to tour Australia later this year, the management will likely include a third opener in the squad. Easwaran’s recent performances have put him in contention for that role. He faces competition from Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mayank Agarwal, and Sai Sudharsan, but his consistent run-scoring has given him an edge.

Easwaran’s century against Mumbai has further strengthened his case for a Test debut. He has shown that he has the temperament and the skills to succeed at the highest level. If he continues to perform at this level, he could soon be donning the Indian whites.

Will Jacks: England's Rising Star Ready to Shine in Australia Series

Will Jacks: England’s Rising Star Ready to Shine in Australia Series

Will Jacks, the rising star of English cricket, has made a remarkable impact on the international stage in recent months. His stunning performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his Test debut against Pakistan have showcased his exceptional talent and versatility.

In the IPL, Jacks played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s remarkable comeback. After winning just one of their first eight games, the RCB men rallied to win six on the trot to qualify for the playoffs. Jacks’ stunning 41-ball hundred against Gujarat Titans was a masterclass of T20 batting.

Jacks’ Test debut was equally impressive. He was told he was in the team just two minutes before the toss at Rawalpindi. Despite the short notice, he took six wickets with his off-spin, helping England secure a remarkable victory on a flat pitch.

In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, Jacks shared his thoughts on his recent performances and the upcoming white-ball series against Australia.

“I am excited about the series against Australia,” said Jacks. “I have had a small taste of ODI cricket for England and I am enjoying the format. It’s a nice mix of T20 and Test cricket.”

Jacks believes that bilateral series are important, despite criticism from some quarters. “Any time you play for your country, it’s an important series,” he said. “And England against Australia is the oldest rivalry in cricket.”

Jacks is particularly excited about the arrival of Brendon McCullum as England’s white-ball coach. “It’s really exciting,” he said. “I have had a little bit of experience with Baz, having done two Test tours. The amount of positivity and energy he brings to the group is second to none.”

Jacks credits McCullum with changing the mindset of English cricket. “It’s the positivity,” he said. “It’s wanting to take the game on at all stages, put everyone under pressure, instead of never taking a backward step. That’s a good mindset to have right through the whole English cricket system.”

Jacks also spoke about his admiration for Kevin Pietersen and A.B. de Villiers, two of his cricketing idols. “Kevin Pietersen was my hero growing up,” he said. “He was at the forefront of the 2005 Ashes series and I remember his knock at the Oval on the final day. From that moment on, he was my hero.”

“A.B. de Villiers is as good as it gets across all formats,” Jacks added. “Every time he was on the TV, I made sure I was there watching.”

Jacks is confident that England can continue their recent success under McCullum. “We have a lot of talent in the team,” he said. “We just need to keep working hard and keep believing in ourselves.”

Rohit Sharma's Test Debut: A Symbolic Transition in Indian Cricket

Rohit Sharma’s Test Debut: A Symbolic Transition in Indian Cricket

Rohit Sharma’s Test debut, which was long overdue, marked a significant moment in Indian cricket history. The highly talented batsman, who had already established himself in white-ball cricket, finally made his Test debut in November 2013 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

This debut coincided with the farewell series of batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who was retiring after a record-breaking career spanning 24 years. The focus was on Tendulkar’s farewell rather than individual performances, but Rohit made his delayed Test debut count by scoring a magnificent hundred (177).

Rohit’s 177 was one of the highest scores by an Indian on debut, and it underscored his potential to succeed in the longest format of the game. In the second Test, played at Tendulkar’s home ground in Mumbai, Rohit again went on to hit a hundred – this time an unbeaten 111 as India won by an innings and 126 runs.

Rohit’s Test debut marked a symbolic transition in Indian cricket. While the country was bidding farewell to its greatest-ever batsman, Rohit’s entry into Test cricket hinted at the emergence of another extraordinarily gifted player. Rohit, already successful in limited-overs cricket, showed his ability to adapt to Test cricket, and over the years, he would go on to become one of the key players for India in all formats.

This moment in cricket history was significant, as it represented both the end of an era and the beginning of a new one for Indian cricket. Rohit Sharma’s Test debut, delayed by a freak injury and overshadowed by Tendulkar’s farewell, marked the arrival of a new star in Indian cricket.

Kohli's Bat Gift Inspires Rising Star Akash Deep

Kohli’s Bat Gift Inspires Rising Star Akash Deep

Virat Kohli’s Heartwarming Gesture Inspires Rising Star Akash Deep

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has extended a heartwarming gesture to promising pacer Akash Deep, gifting him a bat ahead of the Bangladesh Test series. The former India captain’s act of kindness has not only motivated the young player but also highlights the camaraderie within the Indian cricket fraternity.

Akash Deep, who made his Test debut against England last February, has been making waves with his consistent performances for Bengal in domestic cricket. His impressive tally of 41 wickets in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, coupled with his strong outings in the Duleep Trophy and for India A, earned him a place in the Indian Test squad for the Bangladesh series.

Kohli’s gift to Akash Deep is a testament to the former’s leadership qualities both on and off the field. The batting maestro has previously shown his generosity by gifting bats to rising stars like Rinku Singh, fostering a sense of mutual respect and support among the players.

For Akash Deep, this act of kindness from one of India’s greatest cricketers is a significant motivational boost as he prepares to make his mark in the upcoming series. The 27-year-old pacer has expressed his gratitude to Kohli on social media, marking a special moment in his career.

Kohli’s gesture not only inspires Akash Deep but also serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and support in the development of young athletes. As Akash Deep embarks on his journey in international cricket, he can draw inspiration from the guidance and encouragement of senior players like Virat Kohli.

Prithvi Shaw's Promising Debut Overshadowed by Puzzling Decline

Prithvi Shaw’s Promising Debut Overshadowed by Puzzling Decline

Prithvi Shaw, hailed as India’s next cricketing prodigy, made a grand entrance into international Test cricket with a scintillating century on debut. However, his promising start was marred by a puzzling decline in form, leaving fans and experts alike baffled.

Shaw’s early career was marked by remarkable achievements. He joined an elite group of Indian players to score a century on their Test debut, alongside legends like Rohit Sharma and Sourav Ganguly. He also held the record for the highest individual score in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for several years.

Despite these early accolades, Shaw struggled to maintain consistency at the highest level. His form dipped inexplicably, raising questions about his technique and mental fortitude.

India’s return to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 was highly anticipated. However, Shaw’s performance in the first match was a major disappointment. He was dismissed for a duck by Mitchell Starc on the second delivery, setting a challenging tone for the series.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting analyzed Shaw’s batting technique, identifying a weakness against inswinging deliveries. Shaw’s lack of front foot movement created a gap between his bat and pad, which the Australian bowlers exploited ruthlessly.

Shaw’s struggles continued in the second innings, where he was dismissed by Pat Cummins in a similar fashion. His technical flaw was exposed, and he was subsequently dropped from the Indian Test team.

Despite his early promise, Shaw’s career has been marked by inconsistency and technical deficiencies. His inability to overcome these challenges has prevented him from fulfilling his potential and becoming the star that many had predicted.

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