All-rounder Salman Ali Agha’s dream of playing for Pakistan came true on Saturday morning, ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, when he made his Test debut and received his cap from batting coach and former batsman Mohammad Yousuf.
Salman was in the purview of the national team for the last two years. He toured with the team, but never made the cut for the final playing XI. However, when in that debut moment, Salman was at a loss for words.
“It is a special feeling and I cannot describe it in words. I mean, you are being picked to play Test cricket – which is the pinnacle of the game and which is a format that every big player in the world wants to play – from a population of 250 million. It is a feeling that cannot be described, but if I have to, I would say I am very excited and happy,” Salman told PCB Digital after the announcement of Pakistan’s eleven for the first Test.
Test debut meant that he was remembering his cricketing journey from childhood till now. “When I started playing cricket, my only goal was to play for Pakistan. Now that eight year old kid will be playing for Pakistan. Ever since I got to know about my debut, I am missing the last 10-15 days of my life.”
“I remember how I first went to my cricket club – Apollo” Cricket club – and began to play cricket. I am missing my coach Malik Sarwar. I am doing my entire journey in my mind. ,
Salman has been in Pakistan’s first-class set-up since February 2013. But in 18 matches, since the 2019-20 season of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the right-handed batsman has scored 1,629 runs at a strong average of 56.19, hitting five centuries and eight half-centuries. He also took 25 wickets with his off spin.
Sri Lanka is no stranger to Salman, as he toured the country with Pakistan Shaheen in November last year, and feels the experience of his previous visit will prove beneficial.
“I have the experience of playing in Sri Lanka because I came here in November with Pakistan Shaheen and scored a century. We have been training here for the last 10 days and have also played practice matches. But, having said that Sri Lankan conditions challenge you and Sri Lanka in their home, there is a tough side. It will be challenging, but Test cricket is all about the challenge. I am ready to overcome this and give my best for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka is a part of the current ICC World Test Championship cycle. After the first Test is over, the second and last Test will be played on July 24-28 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Sri Lanka is at the third position in the points table of the ICC World Test Championship, while Pakistan is at the fourth position.
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