Pakistan’s run machine Younis Khan is one of crickets most charismatic and colourful characters. Over the years Younis has faced many challenges, on and off the field, but the middle order batsman remains defiant and his recent run of good form has seen him climb to #5 in the ICC World Test Batting rankings.
If you go there and play according to your plans you’ll be successful in any conditions and against any bowler.
Younis Khan
The 38-year-old still remains something of a paradox; on one hand he is an affectionate and supportive elder statesman of the team, but on the other he’s a quick to anger middle-aged man capable of a blow up at any moment.
Of late his short-temper has attracted the wrath of many. But even his increasingly frequent indiscretions are likely to be forgotten if he adds a match-winning century or two to a national record 31 in what is Pakistan’s most challenging Test tour in years.
The tour of England provides Younis the chance for redemption, of vindicating the love and admiration he has received over the years despite those moments of controversy.
The right-hander said he doesn’t like to set himself targets. “I am not at all thinking about big achievements or setting goals, I don’t want to put any extra pressure on myself; this is how I have played in recent years — minimising expectations,” he said.
“If you go there and play according to your plans you’ll be successful in any conditions and against any bowler.”
Khan has an average of 52.22 in five Tests in England, hitting one century and three fifties.
“Maybe it will be my final tour,” he said. “As a cricketer and as a top sportsman, I feel very comfortable with my fitness and my form so God willing (if) I perform the way I perform for my country maybe I will play for four-five more years, maybe.”
See Younis Khan at Edgbaston
England will take on Pakistan on Wednesday 3 – Sunday 7 August at Edgbaston and tickets are available for just £6 for Under 16s and from £31 for Adults.
