Hanif Mohammed is a respected name and an essential part of Pakistan cricket. Hanif Mohammed made his test career debut at the age of 17. Initially Hanif Mohammed was coached by Abdul Aziz, a wicket keeper who played for All India team.
Abdul Aziz guided Hanif Mohammad and taught him to adjust to all sorts of batting conditions. His training came handy when Hanif was selected to play against England when the English team visited Pakistan.
Hanif’s contribution with the bat in the second match at Karachi and agility behind the wickets were instrumental in getting test status for Pakistan. To improve the performance of cricketers, some cricketers from Pakistan were sent to England to Alf Glover’s cricket school with Hanif being one of them.
Glover satisfied with Hanif’s technique suggested that no changes should be made to it. Hanif Mohammed stands out in the history of cricket with his famous score of 378 runs against West Indies which took more than sixteen hours. He not only set a world record of the longest innings of that time but also saved Pakistan from defeat.
Hanif’s triple century remains the only triple century in 2nd innings so far. Hanif Mohammed also has the honor of exceeding Don Bradman’s record of the highest individual score. Hanif Mohammed made 499 runs and was run out when attempting the 500th run. His batting feats earned him the nickname of “Little Master”.
Hanif Mohammed also kept wickets when required and had the ability to bowl with either arm. Hanif Mohammed played a total of 55 test matches with an average of 43.98 runs and scored 12 centuries.
Hanif Mohammed was named the Wisden Cricketer of the year 1959, he was also awarded the President’s Pride of Performance in 1968. Hanif Mohammed’s name has been inducted in the ICC Hall of Fame. He passed away on 11th August, 2016 in Karachi.