Two greats pull up stumps

– As Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq (above) head off into the sunset after long and illustrious careers, Pakistan begins a tricky period of transition looking for a new wave of players ready to fill a huge void left by the retired batting greats.

In a fitting finale, Younis, Pakistan’s most prolific Test run-scorer, and Misbah, the country’s most successful captain, bowed out together in a blaze of glory on Sunday with the team celebrating a first-ever series triumph in the Caribbean.

The thrilling 101-run victory in Dominica sealed a 2-1 win over West Indies and was Pakistan’s 26th under the 42-year-old Misbah, who also led the side to the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) world Test rankings last year.

Since his 2001 Test debut in New Zealand, Misbah accumulated 5 222 runs in 75 matches at an average higher than 46.

Admired for his unflappable temperament, Misbah was handed the Test captaincy after a 2010 spot-fixing scandal in England led to the expulsion of his predecessor Salman Butt.

ICC chief executive David Richardson was among those to pay a glowing tribute.

“Misbah has been the bedrock of many a Pakistan innings, time and time again extricating his team from difficult situations with a terrific temperament,” the former South African wicketkeeper said.

“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 56ball century against Australia in 2014 in Abu Dhabi, which equalled Viv Richards’ world record.

“He was a leader who took charge at a difficult time ... he was a true sportsman and role model.” – Reuters

Roseau