Agha Salman reveals reason behind not bowling

KARACHI: Agha Salman, who is an off-spinner, didn’t come out to bowl on day two when Pakistan needed a breakthrough against New Zealand’s left-handed openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham.

Speaking to media after scoring a well-fought maiden Test century on the second day, Agha said he was ill last night.

“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 today after taking medicines and tried my best to continue scoring,” he added.

Agha scored 103 off 155 balls to help Pakistan post 438 runs in first innings.

“I am hopeful to recover and be able to bowl for my team tomorrow,” he concluded.

It must be noted that New Zealand reached 165-0 at stumps on day two of the first Test against Pakistan in Karachi on Tuesday.

The visitors still trail by 273 runs in the first innings.

Tom Latham and Devon Conway were unbeaten on 78 and 82 runs, respectively, at the close of play.

Pakistan bowlers struggled to apply pressure on the Kiwi batters throughout the innings on the second day, with a benign pitch not helping their cause.

Earlier, Pakistan were dismissed for 438 in their first innings on Tuesday.

Babar Azam, 161, and Agha Salman, 103, scored centuries for the hosts.