On this day in 1934, Cricket Legend ‘Hanif Mohammad’ was born

Today marks the 86^th birth anniversary of the legendary Pakistani Batsman Hanif Mohammad who was also famous for his name ‘Little Master’ in the cricket world.

He was born in Gujarat, India on this day in 1934. The original Little Master was a batsman with yogic powers of concentration. His brothers – Mushtaq, Sadiq, and Wazir all figured in Tests for Pakistan and as did his son, Shoaib.

He authored the longest ever Test innings in the history of Test cricket – a marathon 970-minute 337 for Pakistan against West Indies at Bridgetown, wherein he compiled century stands with four different players including his brother, Wazir.

The hot steak continued as Hanif Mohammad made 499 for Karachi versus Bahawalpur before being ironically run-out whilst attempting the 500th run, the very next year in 1959.

The record stood tall as the highest first-class individual score until Brain Lara eclipsed it in 1994. He also held the unique distinction of making a ton against all his Test opponents in ‘away’ conditions, which highlighted his adaptive abilities.

Interestingly, Hanif was ambidextrous (able to use the right and left hands equally well) with the ball and also served as an occasional keeper.

He died on 11 August 2016 at age 81 in Karachi after suffering multiple breathing and liver problems, having undergone an operation for liver cancer.