Pakistan middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha has responded to his omission from the national Test squad in spectacular fashion, turning disappointment into a career-defining performance in domestic cricket.
Dropped from the Pakistan Test side, Salman returned to first-class cricket and produced the biggest innings of his career—a magnificent triple century.
Salman had recently traveled to England with Pakistan’s Test squad and captained the side in the opening Test at Headingley in the absence of Babar Azam.
However, after Pakistan fell well behind England in the first Test, Salman was left out of the playing XI for the Lord’s Test.
From 100 to 300
Back in domestic cricket, Salman represented Kingsmen Academy against Marco’s IT Solutions in the opening round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I.
He came to the crease with his team in serious trouble at 72 for 3 and responded with a century on the opening day.
But the Pakistan batter was nowhere near finished.
He converted his hundred into a double century before going on to complete a remarkable triple century.
Before this innings, Salman’s highest first-class score was 169. His latest knock therefore brought him his maiden double and triple centuries in first-class cricket in the same innings.
A Message of Humility
Salman’s remarkable response after being dropped also prompted a message from his wife on Instagram.
“There’s nothing wrong with going back to the basics. Sometimes it’s necessary; never let pride get in the way. The beginning was humble, and the end will be the same,” she wrote.
The innings marked a spectacular return to form for Salman after his omission from Pakistan’s Test side.
With the triple century, Salman Ali Agha became the 23rd Pakistani batter to score a triple century in first-class cricket.
