Pakistan debutants embrace Test opportunity

He said his maiden first-class century remained the most memorable innings of his career and played an important role in building his confidence. Ghori scored his first-class hundred batting at number six against WAPDA at Karachi's National Stadium in only his second first-class match at the venue.

"It was a very special innings for me," Ghori said. He said three to four years of regularly playing first-class and List A cricket after representing Pakistan at Under-19 level had helped strengthen his game and eventually earn international recognition.

Ghori has already represented Pakistan in four one-day internationals and said he was aware of the greater pressure and expectations that come with international cricket. He also highlighted the confidence gained from sharing partnerships with established players such as Babar Azam, while acknowledging that such moments also raise expectations.

He also stressed the importance of first-class cricket in developing strong fundamentals, saying he tries not to miss matches because regular cricket is crucial to improvement. For fast bowler Razaullah, the Test call-up followed a journey that began with limited facilities and playing with a table-tennis ball in the streets alongside his elder brother.

He progressed through Under-19, district and regional cricket before moving into Grade II and first-class cricket in 2024. Razaullah said he took 30 wickets in eight first-class matches, performances that helped him attract attention. A spell in the Pakistan Super League proved another turning point when coaches noticed his bowling despite an injury.

He was subsequently selected for a two-month camp at the National Cricket Academy, where he credited coaches Rehan, Vicky, Ashley and Aaqib with helping develop his game. Razaullah later featured in the Champions Cup and said he was overwhelmed when he learned he had been selected to travel to England.

"I didn't even know that they were calling me to send me to England," Razaullah said. "It is a proud moment for me. I cannot tell you how I feel.

I am very excited," Mardan-born Razaullah said. "I am representing my country. I cannot tell you how happy I am.

I will try to do my best for my country. "Randhawa's path to the Test team was similarly built on perseverance and family support. The al-rounder said he began playing cricket with a tennis ball in his village before switching to the leather ball at the only leather-ball club in his small hometown.

"My father is a farmer and he supported me a lot," Randhawa said, adding that all six brothers played cricket while growing up. He progressed through school cricket before representing Pakistan at Under-16 and Under-19 level.

He then played district cricket for Rahim Yar Khan before making his National T20 and first-class debuts. Randhawa said he was unaware he was being considered for the Test squad when he received a midnight call asking him to send his passport.

"I didn't know that I was coming for a Test," he said. The following day, Multan Sultans owner Gauhar Shah called to tell him his name had been included in the Pakistan squad. "Every cricketer dreams of making a Test debut," he said.

"I want to perform for my country. I want to make my country proud. ""Whatever Allah wants will be better.

I will do my best. I will leave the rest to Allah," Randhawa said.