'Misbah bedrock of Pakistan cricket; Younis a class above rest'

Dubai [UAE], May 15 (ANI): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has congratulated Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan who both bid adieu to international cricket following Pakistan's historic Test series win in the West Indies. Pakistan clinched a thrilling 101-run win in the third and final Test with six balls to spare to seal a first series victory in the West Indies, thus giving one of the most heart-stopping send-off possible to retiring Misbah and Younis. ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said in a statement that captain Misbah and former captain Younis had been at the heart of some of Pakistan's most memorable performances making them popular and admired around the world. "Both these batsmen have given so much to the sport and fans over their careers," Richardson said. "Misbah has been the bedrock of many a Pakistan innings, time and time again extricating his team from difficult situations with a terrific temperament. He knew how to graft for his runs but could also be inventive and score at a brisk pace, as was evident during his impressive 56-ball century against Australia in 2014 in Abu Dhabi, which equaled Viv Richards's world record," he added. "He was a leader who took charge at a difficult time and led the team on a journey to the No.1 position in the ICC Test rankings. He was a true sportsman and role model, deservingly winning the ICC's Spirit of Cricket Award for 2016," Richardson said. Describing Younis as one of Pakistan's finest batsman, Richardson said that the veteran batsman had given couple of brilliant performances that have placed him in a league above the rest. "Younis has been one of Pakistan's finest batsmen, also often coming up with his best efforts when the chips were down. A triple-century in Tests at home against Sri Lanka and a double-century in a series-levelling effort in India are just a couple of the performances that have placed him in a league above the rest," he added. "A particularly fine player of spin bowling, Younis was also an able captain who led Pakistan in all three formats of the game with the highlight being victory in the ICC World Twenty20 in England in 2009. "On behalf of the ICC, I congratulate both these batsmen on their wonderful careers and wish them every success in whatever they pursue in the years to come," Richardson concluded. Misbah and Younis had earlier announced that they would bid adieu to international cricket following the recently-concluded three-match Test series against West Indies, which the tourists eventually won 2-1. Misbah has played 75 Test matches so far, scoring 5222 runs and is currently seventh on the list of Pakistan's highest Test run-getters. He had already retired from ODIs and T20Is after the 2015 World Cup. The captain also inspired Pakistan to the top of the ICC Test team rankings for the first time in history. Although their stint at the top was short-lived as India replaced them. Younis, on the other hand, recently became the first Pakistani batsman to score 10000 Test runs. Younis' career batting average of 52.05 is also the best by any Pakistan i batsman and the third best by any batsman from Asia. In January, Younis also became the first cricketer in Test history to score centuries in 11 countries when he smashed his 34th hundred in the third Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), tying him with Sunil Gavaskar, Mahela Jayawardene and Brian Lara in the all-time list at sixth place.(ANI)