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When he made his debut for Pakistan at Lahore in 1958-59 Mushtaq was
just 15 years old. It was not surprising the national selectors had been
keeping an eye on him. His elder brother Hanif had been the mainstay of
the country's batting since it came into existence. Another brother,
Wazir, was also a Test player and a third, Raees, played for Karachi.
Mushy made just 14 and 4 in his first outing against the West Indies and
he did not get a place in the next series against Benaud's Australians.
It was clear, though, that he was set for a long and successful career.
He played against India in 1960-61, scoring 101 in Delhi, then made 55
and 100 not out in the Nottingham Test when he toured England in 1962.
He was soon invited to qualify for Northants. They not only recognised
the quality of his wristy batting but he is credited with introducing
the reverse sweep - but also his vicious leg spin, with which he took
4-80 against England at the Oval in 1967.
Three brothers played in the
same Test against New Zealand at Karachi in October 1969, Mushtaq and
Hanif being joined by younger brother Sadiq. Mushtaq made 100 against
England at Edgbaston in 1971, 121 against Australia at Sydney in 1972-73
and 201 against New Zealand at Dunedin in the same season. He took
seven wickets in the match as well. He was appointed Pakistan captain
against New Zealand in 1976-77, contributing two centuries and took the
team to Australia later that winter. He was captain against India in
1978-79 and in New Zealand a year later. He played in the Rothman's
World Cup at Lord's in 1966 and in the first official tournament in 1975
had a top score of 55. (Bob Harragan)
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