By Syed Khalid Mahmood
(Pakistan News & Features Services)
Pakistan’s former Test fast bowler, Sarfraz Nawaz, acclaimed as the inventor of reverse swing, has condoled the death Wazir Mohammad, the eldest of the legendary Mohammad brothers, who passed away at the age of 95 in England on October 13.
“I had known Wazir bhai for a long time. He was a very decent guy, who possessed incredible knowledge about the game of cricket. It was always a pleasure meeting and talking to him,” Sarfraz, who has also relocated in England, remarked in a brief conversation with PNFS.
“He was talked about as a cricketer of immense value who gave his best for the country in the early days of Pakistan cricket. He may not have scored in Tests as his three other illustrious brothers, Hanif, Mushtaq and Sadiq, but he was revered by his contemporaries, including his great captain, Abdul Hafeez Kardar,” Sarfraz recalled.
Wazir had made his Test debut in the third match of the 1952-53 series against India. He forced his way into the playing eleven at the strength of a match-saving unbeaten 104 in the tour game against West Zone in Ahmedabad.
His knock of 42 in the second innings of the Oval Test of 1954 which was Pakistan's highest in the closely-fought encounter made famous by the match-winning spells of Fazal Mahmood.
His century partnership with Kardar was the highest in Pakistan’s maiden victory over Australia at National Stadium, Karachi in 1956. Similarly, his innings of 189 was also the highest of the match when Pakistan registered first win over the West Indies in 1957-58.
Wazir was the eldest among the Mohammad Brothers, who have played monumental role in Pakistan cricket right from its formative years. Raees did not play Test cricket but Hanif, Mushtaq and Sadiq represented the country with distinction for a number of years.
Sarfraz played international cricket with the trio of Hanif, Mushtaq and Sadiq. In fact, he and Mushtaq also played together for the county of Northamptonshire for a long time during summers in England.
readmore »»
