Greatest Pakistan Test XI of all time

Wasim Waqar Imran Sarfraz Yasir
Pakistan have produced plenty of captivating cricketers over the years

Unlike most of the other teams in the long and illustrious history of the format, Pakistan did not take too long to make rapid strides in Test cricket. After showing their immense potential by registering path-breaking triumphs during the 1950s, they embarked on a roller-coaster ride which has added fresher twists and turns to continue captivating the spectators. Thus far, they have played 412 Tests and their current win-loss ratio of 1.081 (132 victories and 122 defeats) is currently fourth best among the ten Test teams.

Also Read: A bond like no other - An Indian's forbidden love affair with Pakistani cricket

The age-old belief in Pakistani cricket circles traverses two of their most iconic cities. While Lahore has provided them with flamboyant fast bowlers, Karachi has enriched their batting fortunes by offering shrewd operators. Assembling Pakistan's all time Test XI, encompassing the lengths and breadths of the country, only reiterates the interesting dichotomy. Emphasis has been placed on overall consistency and prominent performances against top teams.

(*Note: Statistics for active players are accurate as of 28th February, 2018)


#5 Openers

Saeed Anwar Hanif Mohammad
Saeed Anwar and Hanif Mohammad can form a dream cross-generational opening pairing

Saeed Anwar was the epitome of left-handed elegance. When on song, his exquisite drives and delectable pick-up shots were almost ethereal in nature. Curiously, he played only 55 Tests in a 14-year career at the highest level. However, during those matches, the stylish opener managed to enthrall spectators with his regal stroke-play. He scored 4052 runs at an average of 45.52 with 11 centuries and 25 fifties.

Possessing seemingly endless reservoirs of patience, Hanif Mohammad carried Pakistan's batting lineup on his shoulders at a time when they were still searching for their identity. His marathon 970-minute 337 in the 1958 Barbados Test remains an enduring symbol of the rewarding grind of Test cricket. From 55 matches, he accumulated 3915 runs at an average of 43.98 with 12 tons and 15 fifties.

#4 Middle-order

Javed Miandad
Javed Miandad is unarguably the greatest batsman to emerge from Pakistan

It was indeed a poignant and long-awaited moment during April 2017 when Younis Khan became the first Pakistani batsman to scale the 10,000-run mark in Tests. Even as naysayers remained unconvinced on his technique against swing and slip fielders were kept on tenterhooks before he could get set, the man from Mardan overcame every obstacle through sheer determination. 10,099 runs at a remarkable average of 52.05 with 34 centuries and 33 fifties stand as testament to his indelible legacy in Pakistan cricket.

In an era wherein the quality of cricket was at its zenith, Javed Miandad bestrode the arena like he was on a mission. Always ready for combat, he willingly took on hostile fast bowlers and unabashedly looked to penetrate their minds. During a resplendent career spanning between 1976 and 1993, the resilient right-hander played 124 Tests and amassed 8832 runs at a stellar average of 52.57 with 23 tons as well as 43 fifties.

Having stormed into the limelight by producing game-changing knocks in the knockout stages of the 1992 World Cup, Inzamam-ul Haq took a bit of time before getting the hang of Test cricket. However, upon finding his groove, he began to reel off a slew of match-defining contributions. Until his retirement in 2007, he remained the bulwark of Pakistan's batting lineup. From 119 Tests (excluding the one-off appearance for World XI), the gifted batsman scored 8829 runs at an average of 50.16 with 25 centuries and 46 fifties.

#3 Wicket-keeper & All-rounder

Imran Khan
Imran Khan's alluring all-round skills make him an indispensable part of any all time XI

Hailing from Karachi, it does not come across as any surprise that Sarfraz Ahmed is always up for a scrap. While the likes of Wasim Bari and Rashid Latif were certainly better behind the stumps, palpable tenacity with the bat tilts the wicket-keeper slot in the 30-year-old's favour. From 38 Tests thus far, Sarfraz has scored 2208 runs at an impressive average of 40.14 and rapid strike-rate of 72.34. Aside from registering 17 fifty-plus scores, the gloveman has pouched 103 catches and effected 18 stumpings.

With his alluring charisma and glowing ability to contribute consistency across multiple departments, Imran Khan holds a legitimate claim for being the most valuable cricketer to come out of Asia. At his prime, he was a menacing fast bowler capable of singlehandedly slicing through batting lineups. During the latter part of his career, he transformed himself into a steadfast lower middle-order batsman too. In addition to picking 362 wickets at a splendid average of 22.81 with a whopping 23 five-wicket hauls, Imran also scored 3807 runs with six centuries and 18 fifties. Needless to say, the legendary all-rounder captains this distinguished lineup as well.

#2 Bowlers

Fazal Mahmood
Fazal Mahmood is the forebearer of Pakistan's illustrious and enviable pace legacy

Wasim Akram's illuminating legacy in the game can be discerned from the massive gulf separating him and the next best left-arm fast bowler. With his silken action and natural ability to generate mesmerising swing, he flummoxed countless accomplished batsmen and left the audience in surreal enchantment. The iconic fast bowler picked 414 wickets from 104 Tests at a tremendous average of 23.62 with as many as 25 five-wicket hauls. In addition to his exploits with the ball, he also plundered 2898 runs at an aggressive scoring-rate.

Unbeknownst to the present-day generation, Pakistan owe their enviable pace bowling legacy to the deeds of Fazal Mahmood. By delivering several unforgettable victories during the 1950s, the exalted seamer almost singlehandedly ensured that the then newly formed country went toe to toe with the pre-existing powers. In what was a truly glittering career, he played 34 Tests and collected 139 wickets at an average of 24.70 with 13 five-wicket hauls.

Considering the fact that he has played only 28 Tests thus far, Yasir Shah's inclusion ahead of the revered spinners of yore may raise plenty of eyebrows. While the likes of Abdul Qadir and Mushtaq Ahmed were undeniably masters of their art, the 31-year-old's stifling accuracy can propel him to an even higher pedestal. The dependable leg-spinner, who has been extremely instrumental to every Pakistan victory in recent times, has garnered 165 wickets at an average of 29.44 and strike-rate of 56.2 with 13 five-wicket hauls. In the coming years, plenty more will be added to the tally.

The sight of Waqar Younis steaming in and reversing the ball at scorching pace was one to truly behold. During the initial phase of his career, there was no quicker bowler than him in the global arena. In tandem with Wasim, he tore batting lineups to shreds through well-directed pace. 87 Tests fetched him 373 wickets at an average of 23.56 and stunning strike-rate of 43.4 with 22 five-wicket hauls.

#1 12th man and Full squad

Saqlain Mushtaq
Saqlain Mushtaq utilised his extensive armoury of variations to outfox numerous batsmen

On face value, only one specialist spin option in the playing eleven may not seem adequate for an Asian team. Hence, drafting in Saqlain Mushtaq as the twelfth man can provide another dimension on turning tracks. From 49 Tests, the trend-setting off-spinner picked 208 wickets at an average of 29.83 and strike-rate of 67.6 with 13 five-wicket hauls. In case of a spin-friendly pitch, he can enter the playing eleven at the expense of a fast bowler.

Also Read: Greatest England Test XI of all time

If the lineup is further expanded to meet the demands of different conditions across the globe, the likes of Zaheer Abbas and Mohammad Yousuf can add formidable depth in the batting department. For those connoisseurs who believe in picking a wicket-keeper solely based on his prowess behind the stumps, there's no need to look farther than the reliable Wasim Bari. With his unbridled pace and propensity to bowl inspired spells, Shoaib Akhtar completes a star-studded 16-member squad.

Pakistan's All-Time Test XI

Saeed Anwar, Hanif Mohammad, Younis Khan, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Imran Khan (c), Wasim Akram, Fazal Mahmood, Yasir Shah and Waqar Younis

Also in the 16-man Squad

Saqlain Mushtaq (12th man), Zaheer Abbas, Mohammad Yousuf, Wasim Bari and Shoaib Akhtar

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Edited by Ram Kumar