History-maker Younis Khan revealed he was on the verge of quitting international cricket last month after being overlooked for Pakistan’s one-day squad for the series against Australia in the UAE.
Khan, who says he was talked out of the decision by friends and family and was subsequently included in the Test squad, has been on a record-breaking spree in the ongoing Test against Australia in Dubai.
Another century yesterday (103 not out) in the second innings helped Pakistan reach a position of strength.
They set Australia a target of 438 after declaring the second innings at 286-2, and then reduced the visitors to 59-4 by the end of day’s play.
The century, Khan’s second in four days against Australia after a wait of more than 12 years and 26th of his career, made him only the seventh Pakistan batsman to score centuries in both innings of a Test match, and also go one better than Inzamam-ul Haq in the list of most of Test centuries for his country.
“I have always taken the hard path in my life, and that’s what I did this time too,” said the 36-year-old Khan. “Back home when I was not in the ODI squad, at one point I was thinking not to go for the Test matches.
“But my friends and family motivated me and told me that I should try and do something good for the team.
“It would have been easy for me to stay away, but I thought about it and I wanted to do something or the team, and for my country.
“I thought the easy option was to quit, but I have never chosen the easy option in my life.
“Once I came here, I was completely focused on my cricket. I wanted to do well as I did not have any century against Australia.
“I had to listen to criticism that despite being a top Pakistani batsman, I did not have single century against Australia.
“And look… I now have two in two innings. It all comes when you think positively.”
