One of Pakistan’s most prominent and prolific batsman in recent times Mohammad Yousuf (Yousuf Youhana) underlined the importance of Test cricket during his visit to Bahrain.
The 41-year-old from Lahore was in Bahrain as guest of Mujtaba Nazir, who is the director of cricket developments and events at Bahrain Cricket League.
Yousuf spend four days in Bahrain attending many religious and cricket functions which included inaugurating Pakistan Club’s Ramadan Cricket Tournament and being the guest of honour at a dinner last night.
Yousuf at his peak was a delight to watch for his elegant and enchanting strokeplay.
“At his best, watching Yousuf bat is an unnervingly tranquil experience, especially amid the traditional chaos of a Pakistan batting order. He has a dangerously high backlift, which makes every shot he plays, a late, unhurried afterthought, but a beautiful one.
“The feet take time to get going, but once they do, they dance with the best.
“Square and behind it on the off side are his areas, where his game is the most enchanting,” was how veteran Pakistan journalist Osman Samiuddin described Yousuf in an article.
“Test cricket is all about mental strength and an ability to last five days while T20, the latest craze, is a game of three hours,” said Yousuf, who played for Pakistan, Asia XI, Bahawalpur, Lahore,Lahore Badshahs, Lancashire, Pakistan International Airlines,Warwickshire, Water and Power Development Authority and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited in a career spanning over a decade.
Yousuf’s most profitable year was 2006, ‘in fact the most profitable for any batsman ever in a calendar year’. Over 11 Tests, he scored 1,788 runs with nine hundreds, breaking Sir Viv Richards’ 30-year-old record.
More inspiring is the fact that he equalled Sir Don’s record of six successive centuries in Tests and, as if to underline his class and calibre among the modern greats, he achieved it in five matches compared to the Don’s six.
Yousuf played 90 Tests, 152 innings and scored 7,530 runs at an impressive average of 52.29 with 24 centuries and 33 half centuries with 223 being his highest score.
He also played 228 ODIs and scored 9,720 runs at an average of 41.71 with 15 centuries and 64 half centuries with 141 not out being his highest score.
“Yousuf is a good friend of mine like so many other Pakistan and non-Pakistan cricketers.
“He accepted my invitation and here in Bahrain he interacted with many cricketers and also attended various cricket and religious functions,” said Nazir.
Nazir also added that former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzak, who played 46 Tests for Pakistan, is expected to visit Bahrain in the next few months.
“All these are part of our plans to develop the game in Bahrain in a big way,” added Nazir.
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