DUBAI // When Michael Clarke and Ahmed Shahzad were asked for their contributions to the eulogy to Younis Khan, the rival players both opted for the same word: gentleman.
Forget the records – more Test centuries than any other Pakistani, the seventh player from his country to score tons in both innings of a Test, and the first from anywhere to do so against Australia in 40 years – it is the character traits that endure.
“He is a gentleman of our game,” said Clarke, the Australia captain, who said he had been surprised to learn Younis had “only” played 92 Test matches, given his work in the format.
“He is a class player. I was really impressed with the way he swept, especially left-arm orthodox spin bowling. It is a class player who is able to sweep against the spin in those conditions.
“I’d like to see him not make so many runs against Australia, but I have always enjoyed watching Younis bat. His performances in this game were outstanding.” Younis’s achievement of doubling up his centuries in this Test – especially given his storied build up to the game – was the headline act of Day 4.
It rather overshadowed Shahzad’s sparkling second Test ton. The apprentice was not concerned, though, reasoning that he might not have got there anyway if it were not for his senior colleague, who has the adjoining room at the team hotel.
“He is a gentleman who really helps the youngsters out,” Shahzad said. “I am learning a lot from him and I pray for him, that he can keep on going and make all the Pakistanis in the country proud.
“When I was not out on 21 [on Friday] night, he told me when we were going to the bus, ‘I waited 12 years for my century against Australia – make sure you don’t do that’. That really motivated me. When I went to sleep I was focused on the game.”
Younis was grateful for the testimonies. “I respect the game – maybe that is also why they respect me,” he said.
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