Karachi, Oct 13 (NationPress) The cricketing world mourns the loss of Wazir Mohammad, a former Test cricketer from Pakistan, who was an integral part of the esteemed Mohammad family. He passed away on Monday at the age of 95, as confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

In a heartfelt message on X, the PCB offered condolences to Wazir’s family, commemorating him as one of the four Mohammad brothers who represented Pakistan during the pivotal moments of its Test cricket initiation.

“Wazir was among the four Mohammad brothers to don the national colors, participating in 20 Test matches for Pakistan from 1952 to 1959,” the PCB noted.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi honored Wazir’s legacy, acknowledging not only his contributions on the field but also his dignified character.

“Wazir Mohammad was an excellent batsman and an incredibly refined individual,” Naqvi remarked, extending prayers for the grieving family.

Born in Junagadh in 1929, Wazir hailed from a family that significantly contributed to the establishment of cricket in Pakistan. His brothers, Hanif, Mushtaq, and Sadiq Mohammad, all represented Pakistan, while another sibling, Raees, played first-class cricket without reaching the national team. Hanif, widely regarded as Pakistan's first batting legend, passed away in 2016.

Although Wazir’s Test batting average of 27.62 may not fully capture his impact, his role was crucial during Pakistan's ascent in international cricket throughout the 1950s. His first-class average of 40 is a better reflection of his consistency and worth, with captain Abdul Hafeez Kardar relying on him as one of his key players.

Wazir’s most memorable performance occurred during the Oval Test in 1954, when Pakistan achieved a remarkable victory over England, claiming their first Test match on English soil and leveling the series 1-1. While Fazal Mahmood garnered accolades for his 12 wickets, Wazir’s resilient 42 not out in the second innings proved equally vital.

With Pakistan at a precarious 82/8 and a mere 85 runs ahead, Wazir—batting at No. 8—fended off England’s bowling attack for four hours. He forged a partnership of 58 runs with Zulfiqar Ahmed for the ninth wicket and an additional 24 runs with Mahmood Hussain, effectively doubling Pakistan’s total. This effort provided Fazal with a target to defend; Pakistan ultimately triumphed by 24 runs, securing their place in cricket history.

Two years later, during a match in Karachi against Australia, Wazir again played a crucial role, rescuing Pakistan from 70/5. His partnership of 104 runs with captain Kardar, along with his gritty 67—the second-highest score of the match—paved the way for another memorable win, this time by nine wickets.

However, perhaps his finest performance came during the 1957-58 Caribbean series, which was highlighted by Garry Sobers’ world-record 365 and Hanif Mohammad’s epic 337. Amidst these milestones, Wazir quietly amassed 440 runs, including two centuries and a remarkable 97 not out. His first century in that series was Pakistan’s fastest Test century until 1967, while his magnificent 189 at Port of Spain secured another overseas victory, ensuring Pakistan won at least one Test in each of their first three tours.