Our Sports Reporter

KARACHI, Nov 30: Mohammad Yousuf’s awesome achievement in breaking Viv Richards’s 30-year-old calendar-year record of most Test runs drew lavish praise from a host of experts and critics present at the National Stadium on Thursday.

Dr Nasim Ashraf, the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, appeared delighted by the marvellous feat accomplished by Yousuf described it as one of the greatest sporting occasions. “No doubt, Yousuf is one of the greats of the present era because he has broken two world records in this game. We are delighted to be present here to watch him achieve the most runs record in a calendar year.

“As a tribute to his remarkable feat, the Pakistan Cricket Board will make special presentation of Rs1 million to him alongwith a special PCB Patron’s gold medal.”

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja, while praising Yousuf for his record-breaking run, said the 32-year-old owed his success to mental strength.

“He has not made a lot of technical adjustments, but he is mentally very sound and I think all the adjustment that he has made has been in the mind. Obviously, religion has played an integral part in his growth as an individual,” said the former Pakistan captain.

“I think he has been brilliant because he’s got his runs against good teams, both at home and away, against India, England and the West Indies and in very different conditions.

“I always doubted his ability to finish the game and I thought Inzamam-ul-Haq in that regard was (and still is) a very great player. But of late, Yousuf has been helping Pakistan recover from precarious situations. That is where he has improved a lot.

“I hope he scores in South Africa where the pitches will be more difficult and if he carries on in this fashion his confidence will sail him through. Surely that will be his biggest test.

Ramiz, however, felt that comparing Yousuf with the West Indian great Vivan Richards was not a wise thing to do. “It’s a little harsh to compare Yousuf with Richards as they played in two entirely different eras. But Richards for me will always be the best batsman I’ve ever played against.

“Viv simply redefined the game, going on the front foot against every fast bowler. I wouldn’t like to compare them. Both are great achievements but records are meant to be broken.”

Sanjay Manjrekar, the former Indian batsman who is now a respected cricket commentator, attributed Yousuf’s achievement to a change in his approach.

“He is batting in a trance which is the most striking thing about him. He still had to break a big record and he has done it. Like all good batsmen Yousuf has been cashing in on good form. The best thing about him is that he’s so calm at the crease.”

Jeffrey Dujon, the former West Indian wicketkeeper/batsman turned broadcaster, however, still termed his compatriot’s achievement as the greatest.

“It is a tremendous achievement what he (Yousuf) has done. But in the context of how he has done it, I don’t think Viv Richards’s feat has paled in comparison.”

“Viv did it at a time when the bowling was far more ferocious and there were better quality pacers and spinners around. Yousuf has taken advantage of his opportunities but he has not done it against top guns like Australia or South Africa, against whom he does not average as high as he does against others.

“When you put these things together, then Viv’s achievement is still outstanding. But anyone whom makes nine centuries in a year doesn’t do that by luck. He has to be a good technician which Yousuf definitely is. He has great powers of concentration and as we all know he has all the shots. His greatness will come with the consistency if he can continue now since he has set a new standard for himself.”

Little Master Hanif Mohammad, regarded as the finest batsman produced by Pakistan in terms of batting technique, hoped that Yousuf was poised to become a truly great player.

“We as Pakistanis are very proud of what he has done. I hope this is the beginning of something great for him and I wish him all the best for the future because he is fully capable of going from strength to strength.”

Another former Pakistan captain, Mushtaq Mohammad, urged the others to take cue from Yousuf. “It’s a tremendous feat from which others can get inspired from. He’s a perfect role model for the others. They should take cue from Yousuf.”

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer had some fine words to say for the Lahore player: “It is a marvellous achievement. I have had the honour of playing against Viv Richards and of coaching Yousuf.

“Comparison is hard to make because both are very different in styles. Whereas Viv was far more aggressive, Yousuf is more sedate. However, to break Viv’s record is really an outstanding feat.”