We have the responsibility to carry the batting line-up: Younis Khan

Younis Khan was the standout performer against the West Indies on the first day’s play at Abu Dhabi in the second Test. After having lost the first two wickets rather early on in the innings, it took some brilliant batting efforts from the likes of Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Asad Shafiq to help Pakistan reach a safety zone, something that looked rather unlikely in the first 30 minutes to play.

Younis was the last wicket to fall on the day after smashing 127 runs. Moreover, what was impressive was the fact that Younis was making a comeback into the grand scheme of things after suffering from flu in the first Test.

“There’s no secret,” Younis said. “Maybe we’re the seniors, we have the responsibility to carry the batting line-up, although we have very nice and fantastic youngsters in the team, the responsibility is always there for us.

“So whenever we play together, we know that 200-300 is important for our team. Everybody knows that we like to take our time, and then suddenly (we go) after the spinners and sometimes against fast bowlers as well. So I think there’s no secret, it’s all about mental preparations.”

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Younis also added that the conditions were not as difficult. “They weren’t tough conditions, but I’m glad I played. Karachi was very hot at the time, and I struggled in the first match. But playing those three-four matches really helped me.”

“I wanted to play a couple of domestic games, which is always good for you,” he said. “No matter how much you practice in the nets, you need game time. I got to play three or four matches for my club on cement wickets.

“They weren’t tough conditions, but I’m glad I played. Karachi was very hot at the time, and I struggled in the first match. But playing those three-four matches really helped me.”

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