Hanif Mohammad undergoes operation for liver cancer

Pakistan cricket stalwart, Hanif Mohammad successfully underwent an operation at London Bridge hospital on Tuesday for a liver cancer that was detected four weeks ago. Mohammad, 78, has been advised to spend one more week in the hospital for further observation. The operation that saw his right liver lobe and gall bladder removed has been rendered successful by surgeon Robert Huchins.

Speaking after the surgery, Robert Huchins said ” It( the cancer) has been diagnosed at an early stage and has not spread anywhere else”

Hanif Mohammad, the ‘Original Little Master’, was among the first stars in the Pakistan cricketing firmament. Mohammad owns the record of playing the longest innings in 136 years of Test history – his 970 minute-337 versus West Indies in Bridgetown in 1957-58. The following year, he broke Sir Donald Bradman’s record for the highest individual first class score by compiling 499 before he was agonisingly run-out. The record lasted until Brian Lara edged ahead in 1994, making 501*.

Interestingly, Hanif Mohammad was ambidextrous and could bowl with either arm. In addition to bowling, he even kept wickets and captained Pakistan.