Hanif Mohammad passes away, aged 81

Legendary batsman Hanif Mohammad has passed away, aged 81, succumbing to respiratory problems arising from his lung cancer, media outlets from Pakistan confirmed on Thursday (August 11). The stylish batsman, nicknamed the 'Little Master' much before the sobriquet was awarded to Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar, is famous for playing the longest innings in Test match history - a knock of 337, which remains one of only two triple hundreds scored in the second innings of a Test.

Hanif, who was originally diagnosed with cancer in 2013, was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a private hospital in Karachi after his condition worsened. He had been on ventilator support for his breathing trouble before his passing on Thursday evening.
 
Born in Junagadh (India) on December 21, 1934, Hanif was one of four Mohammad brothers who played Test cricket for Pakistan. Known for his languid batting style and yogic powers of concentration, Hanif represented Pakistan in 55 Tests between 1952-53 and 1969-70, during which he scored 3915 runs at an average of 43.98 including 12 hundreds. In all, Hanif made 55 first class hundreds and finished with an average of 52.32.
 
Hanif authored the longest ever Test innings (970 minutes) in the history of Test cricket - a marathon 337 for Pakistan against West Indies at Bridgetown, where he compiled century stands with four different players including his brother, Wazir. The hot steak extended to the next year when he made 499 for Karachi versus Bahawalpur before being run-out whilst attempting the 500th run. The record stood tall as the highest first-class individual score until Brain Lara eclipsed it in 1994. Hanif also held the unique distinction of making a ton against all his Test opponents in 'away' conditions - a reflection of his adaptive abilities.
 
Hanif won the Wisden Cricketer of the Year award for his performances in 1968 and was one of only three Pakistan cricketers - Imran Khan and Javed Miandad being the others - to be included in the 55-strong batch of inaugural inductees in to the ICC's Hall of Fame.