Took responsibility after Babar's departure - Agha Salman

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Pakistan middle-order batter Agha Salman said that after Babar Azam was dismissed, he had to step up and score runs for his team in the ongoing Test against New Zealand at National Bank Cricket Arena.

Salman's maiden Test century led Pakistan to 438 runs in the first innings. The hosts were placed on the back foot on Day 2 when Tim Southee sent skipper Babar Azam back to the pavilion.

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"After Babar's dismissal, I had to take the responsibility, and the idea was to score as many as I could and pretty happy that I was able to score a hundred," said Agha Salman.

"I want to thank Nauman Ali as well, who stayed on the crease. At the time, it was important for us to spend maximum time on the crease," he further added.

Agha's innings was studded with 17 boundaries as he batted with the tail and scored 103 off 155 balls.

When questioned why he didn't bowl during New Zealand's innings, given that Tom Latham and Devon Conway are both left-handers, Salman stated he wasn't feeling well but hopes to be fit for Pakistan on Day 3.

“I wasn’t feeling well last night. I didn’t sleep the whole night,” he disclosed. "‘I couldn’t field due to headache and left the field."

“I came out to bat after taking medicines and tried my best to continue scoring. I am hopeful of recovering and being able to bowl for my team tomorrow,” he concluded.

In response to Pakistan's 438, Conway and Tom Latham got off to a strong start and are currently at the crease looking to create a big partnership in the beginning.

Conway also became the fastest New Zealand hitter in history to score 1,000 runs in his 11th Test.

 

Salman Ali Agha's press conference after Day 2 of the first Test.#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai https://t.co/zo06dgyod4

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 27, 2022