Younis Khan thought about skipping Australia Tests after being sidelined from ODI squad

Younis Khan celebrates his record 26th Test century in the first Test against Australia at Dubai.

Younis Khan, with his 26th Test century, surpassed Inzamam-ul Haq’s tally to become the Pakistani batsman with most centuries in the longer format of the game. In a shocking news, the player has revealed that he considered to give the Australia series a miss. The 36-year-old added that he was contemplating to sit out after he was sidelined from his nation’s last ODI squad.

The veteran batsman was not included in the limited overs leg of the tour that the Asian side lost 3-0.

"I had thought that it was easy to quit, it was an easy option but I have never chosen the easier option in my life," said Younis after his back-to-back tons.

The cricketer further said that received some much need motivation from his family and friends who backed him to play.

"Everyone backed me. It was a bad episode but my friends and family motivated me saying that this is the time you can have a hundred and beat Inzi's record and I didn't have a hundred against Australia so I took that challenge," said Younis.

Notably, the middle-order batsman also became the seventh Pakistani to score hundreds in each innings of a Test match and the first to do so against Australia. However, it is an appreciable decision to enter the series as Australia strive to reclaim their No.1 position in ICC Test rankings. Younis told that he carried a positive mindset throught his difficult times.

"At one point I was thinking not to go for the Test matches because Australia are a top ranking team. It all comes when you think positively, and I was motivated by my family and now I am a proud Pakistani beating Inzi's record," added Younis who with his first innings ton became the 12th player to score a ton against all Test playing nations.

Riding on Younis’ landmark century and Ahmed Shehzad’s (131) smashing ton, Pakistan are now pushing for a win on the last day of the Test. Australia have 6 wickets in hand to see through the day as they have very minimal chance to score the required 379 for a win.