KARACHI (AFP) — In two years Younus Khan has gone from shunning the captaincy of Pakistan's cricket to being hailed Thursday as its saviour after his epic 313 runs in the first Test against Sri Lanka this week.
The 31-year-old Younus's marathon innings of 12 hours and 48 minutes not only helped Pakistan draw the match but elevated him to the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) batsmen's rankings.
But more than his batting, Younus's fearless attitude and positive approach suggests he is the man to lead Pakistan cricket out of a turbulent period.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif expressed great confidence in Younus.
"Younus taking the responsibility and leading from the front augurs well for Pakistan cricket. He doesn't demand respect, he commands it and this is the best quality for a captain," said Latif, widely regarded as Younus's mentor.
Wasim Akram, another former Pakistan captain, believes Younus can bring home the laurels.
"Younus showed that records matter less and team comes first. I think if he stays as captain, Pakistan can win the 2011 World Cup," said Wasim.
He was referring to two records that came within striking distance for Younus this week -- Hanif Mohammad's Test score of 337 runs for Pakistan in 1958 and Brian Lara's world record of 400 in 2004.
Many believed Younus would never lead Pakistan again after he turned down an offer of the captaincy following team's shock first-round defeat in the 2007 World Cup held in the West Indies.
Pakistan also lost their admirable coach, Bob Woolmer, who died in the team's Jamaica hotel following their humiliating defeat against minnows Ireland.
For more on this article, please click on the following link: High-flying Younus lifts Pakistan cricket: AFP
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