Former England captain Nasser Hussain, now a well-known cricket expert and commentator, has drawn comparisons between Pakistan’s Kamran Ghulam and legendary Australian cricketer Steve Smith after the 29-year-old batter scored a century on his Test debut. Ghulam’s 118-run knock from 224 balls came during the second Test of a three-match series against Australia on October 15, 2024, where he filled in for Babar Azam, batting at No. 4 for the Shan Masood-led side. This innings made Ghulam the 13th player in Pakistan’s history to score a century on Test debut.
Ghulam’s debut century showcased a balanced blend of aggression and defense, helping Pakistan avoid a potential batting collapse. Nasser Hussain, in his commentary for Sky Sports, praised Ghulam’s technique, comparing it to Steve Smith’s, particularly noting the right-hander’s footwork and his confident defensive play. What stood out most for Hussain was Ghulam’s ability to adapt to the conditions in Multan and manage his innings with maturity and awareness.
“He (Kamran Ghulam) had to wait his turn. He’s been scoring prolific runs in the last three years. He got the right balance between attack and defence. He’s got a bit of Steve Smith about him when he defends the ball and charges. He’s got a bit of swagger about him,” Hussain said.
Kamran Ghulam’s call-up to the Test squad came as a replacement for Pakistan’s star player, Babar Azam. His century not only demonstrated his readiness for the big stage but also came at a crucial time for Pakistan, who had been struggling after losing six consecutive matches. Hussain believes that Ghulam’s performance will be a major confidence booster for the Pakistan selectors, especially given the turmoil the team has faced in recent weeks.
“For the turmoil you say about Pakistan cricket and the few weeks they’ve had, losing six in a row. Picking people on debut like Kamran immediately getting a hundred replacing Babar Azam—one of the all-time greats of Pakistan cricket. The selectors will breathe a sigh of relief with that one,” Hussain added.
Ghulam’s century not only secured his place in Pakistan’s Test side but also provided much-needed stability for a team in transition. His ability to step up under pressure and deliver in place of a player of Babar Azam’s caliber signals a promising future for Pakistan cricket.
