Younis Khan becomes 12th cricketer to score century against all Test playing nations

Younis Khan

Pakistan veteran Younis Khan, on Wednesday, scored a stellar century to help Pakistan dig out of a hole on the first day of the first Test against Australia in Dubai. In doing so, Younis, whose highest score against Australia formerly was 87, became the first Pakistan batsman to score a century against all Test playing nations. Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq are the closest achievers, both of whom failed to score three-figures against South Africa.

The 37-year-old’s 25th Test ton also equalled the record for most by a Pakistani batsman alongside Inzamam.

Having won the toss and electing to bat, the hosts found themselves in a dubious situation at 7 for 2 in the fourth over. Coming in at 4, Younis baited out his time against the new ball and cashed in later in the day. He reached his century in 220 balls just before the second new ball was due. Mitchell Johnson, who bagged three wickets, got the better of the centurion late in the day leaving Pakistan at 219/4 at stumps.

The 36-year-old is the 12th batsman to score acentury against all 9 Test playing nations. Before Younis, Gary Kirsten and Jacques Kallis of South Africa, Sri Lanka’s Marvan Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, Australia’s Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist, India’s Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid and West Indian Brian Lara had achieved the feat.

Younis, who has had a hard time of late, was in the middle of a major controversy when he lashed out at the selectors expressing disappointment regarding his non-inclusion from the ODI team. The century ought to send a strong message to the selectors who excluded him from their “future plans”.