Fawad Alam is reaping the rewards for not giving up. It must have not been easy for a talented cricketer like the Pakitan left-hander to spend more than 10 years in the wilderness after making his Test debut as early as 2009. But when opportunities came calling, Alam grabbed it with both hands.
Fawad Alam has showcased his hunger and desire to score big never went away. Following the hundred in Mount Maunganui last year, Alam has begun the New Year on a high, hitting a hundred in his first-ever Test match at home. The hundred he hit on Wednesday against South Africa was more special as it came at his home ground — the National Stadium in Karachi in his very first Test in Pakistan.
Against a high-quality South African attack, Alam showcased his class as he bailed his team out of trouble (from 27 for 4) with a 245-ball 109. Pakistan finished Day 2 at 308 for 8, leading South Africa’s first innings total of 220 by 88 runs.
“Whenever I spoke to the media, I have never blamed anyone for not playing international cricket for 10 years. If it was in my destiny, then nobody could have taken it away from me. I am not thinking about the 10 years that have gone by, I am focussed on what my destiny has in store for me,” Alam said.
“I am looking to perform in whatever chances I get, even in domestic cricket as it’s my bread and butter. I am not thinking on the lines that I have lost 10 years. I don’t think about the 10 years going to waste. How can I say all the runs and records made in domestic cricket went in vain? I thank the almighty for whatever I have achieved and the respect that I have earned.”
Fawad said he had been longing to play a Test on home soild and the hundred is very special.
“I had my heart set on playing a Test match at my home ground in Karachi. This was also my Test debut in Pakistan and I had asked the Almighty to give me respect at my home venue and he did that,” Alam added.
