Younis Khan Slams Third Successive Test Ton, Smashes Records
Younis Khan did not have a single Test hundred against Australia before current two-match series started. Now the Pakistani legend has three on the trot and has joined of the greatest batsmen ever, in a rare club.
Pakistan batting star Younis Khan became just the second batsman after England legend Herbert Sutcliffe to slam three successive centuries against Australia in a Test series. This rare feat was last achieved, by Sutcliffe, 90 years ago in 1925.
Younis' sparkling form with the bat was on display again as he tormented the Australian bowlers in the sweltering heat of Abu Dhabi to notch up his 27th Test ton on Day 1 of the second Test match on Thursday.
Younis' tally of 27 Test centuries in 93 Tests now equals Michael Clarke (93 Tests), Graeme Smith (117) and Allan Border (156).
Younis, who started the series with a lot of speculation about his international future and without a single Test ton against Australia, has turned around his fortunes in a dramatic fashion. ÂÂ
The in-form Pakistan batsman reached the three-figure mark with a shot straight over the bowler's head for a one-bounce four and looks set for a much-bigger score.
Several cricketers, current and former, took to the micro-blogging website Twitter to praise Younis' efforts.
Congratulations Younis Khan - You have made whole pakistan proud yet again. keep going my team Pakistan.
- saeed ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) October 30, 2014
Pure masterclass from Younus Khan, 3 on the bounce against @CricketAus like shelling peas. #AusvPak
- Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) October 30, 2014
One more 100 from younis khan-3 in a row. Outstanding achievement from an outstanding batsman. One of the best I have played against.
- VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 30, 2014
Younis Khan is a class act.Right up their with the best in this era.#PAKvAUS oh, and we all love anyone who scores 100s against the Aussies
- Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 30, 2014
Is #YounusKhan the greatest Pakistani batsman of all time? If not, how many more runs does he need to be the greatest? #PAKvAUS
- Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) October 30, 2014
Sublime 100 by Younis Khan. Composed, controlled, classy. #DoesntLookLikeThrowItAwayEither #AusvPak
- Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) October 30, 2014
What Yunis Khan has achieved shows not just talent but commitment and hard work.. never seen anyone with his determination congrats to him!!
- Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) October 30, 2014
I don't know Younis khan as a person, bt I can't help but feel very pleased for him & his success. He seems a really impressive human being.
- ian bishop (@irbishi) October 30, 2014