Gift from God By Sarah Holt (BBC)

Before Mohammad Yousuf's conversion to Islam from Christianity, rumour has it he was told by those close to the Pakistan squad that he was the only thing standing between God and his team.

Not so now. Since he became a Muslim in 2005, his star has been on this rise and in the last year Yousuf's batting average has risen to a staggering average of 99.33.


He has certainly cemented his status as the lynchpin of Pakistan's Test side and established himself as an all-time batting great in the process.

He now has a new world record mark for runs scored in a calendar year - 1,788 to be precise - eclipsing Sir Viv Richards' previous record by 68 runs.

And in doing so he notched up his ninth Test century of the year.




In the aftermath of his record-breaking innings in Karachi, the softly-spoken 32-year-old was clear about the catalyst to his success.

"It was only with God's help that I achieved this," said Yousuf, who converted from Christianity nearly two years ago.


The statistics appear to support his belief. The player, formerly known as Yousuf Youhana, averaged around 48 in his first 59 Tests before converting.

Since adopting the Islamic faith of his team-mates, Yousuf scored a double hundred in Lahore to seal the winter Test series against England for Pakistan and, although Pakistan lost the return series to England last summer, Yousuf shone, hitting scores of 202, 192 and 128.


The right-handed batsman also made two centuries against India and four in five innings against the West Indies to take his Test century count for 2006 to nine - which also happens to be a world record.


Yousuf, now sporting a bushy beard, says his change of faith has given him a new-found focus on the field.

"I had money and fame but I was restless," he explained.

"Offering prayers five times a day makes you disciplined and I take this discipline onto the field as well."

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer agrees that religion has helped Yousuf hone his batting technique and develop his mental strength.

"Islam has helped him focus his skills and shaped the way he trains," said Woolmer.

"There is no doubt that his religion has encouraged a new serenity at the crease, where he is calculating in his shot selection, deadly in its execution and determined in its application."


The focus on Yousuf's religion, however, should not be allowed to undermine the fact that the 32-year-old has always been a naturally gifted player.

The son of a railway worker brought up in modest surroundings, he once pondered a career as a tailor before battling to make the grade in domestic cricket.


Unusually for a player on the subcontinent, he was made to wait until the age of 23 before breaking into the national team.


The right-hander's patience and masterful stroke play eventually paid off and led to a call-up for the tour of South Africa in 1998, where his debut innings in Durban lasted a mere 40 balls.




While his natural flair was never in question, Yousuf's temperament at the crease and his ability to switch on for big matches drew criticism.

But while plenty of his contemporaries fell victim to the revolving door selection policy in Pakistan, Yousuf survived and has been allowed to grow into his role at number four.


"Yousuf has come of age," said former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja. "He can be depended upon to score for Pakistan in high-pressure situations."

While his place in Pakistan lore in assured, Yousuf's record-breaking day against the West Indies could finally see him mentioned in the same breath as contemporary batting greats, like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara - an honour which has eluded him.


"He is one of the best batsman produced by Pakistan and the way he is batting I see him going on to break many new records," said another former Pakistan captain Hanif Mohammad.


"I have a feeling this is just the beginning."

that lost statment by woolmer is kind of stunning since he doesn't expect him to continue in this kind of form or does he?

huh?

if this is just begining than does he expect him to score 2000 runs next year.

it's 78 runs not 68.

yes, inshaAllah. Yousuf is Sheikh.

Abdul, the last statement isn't from Bob Woolmer. its from Hanif Mohammad.

wat a role model he is... good read..

What a man MoYO is. When Sarwan got injured, it was Moyo helping him carry him off (until the pak physio came and assited).

This is the kind of article Osman should have produced. Bravo!