Younus Khan deserved successful ODI exit, says Nasser Hussain
'Pakistan must now look to their talented youngsters'
Thursday 12 November 2015 10:49, UK
Pakistan stalwart Younus Khan had an "odd" but "deserved" one-day international farewell, says Nasser Hussain.
Younus was recalled to the ODI side following his supreme form in the country's Test series win over England, averaging 50.33 across the three games and surpassing Javed Miandad as Pakistan's highest Test run getter.
But the 37-year-old announced his shock retirement from the limited-overs format prior to Pakistan's clash with England in Abu Dhabi, Younus going on to make nine in his 265th and final ODI as the hosts prevailed by six wickets.
"It's an odd way to go about [retiring] but in Pakistan, the culture is that the players are icons and deities and he has sailed off into the sunset with a win," said Hussain.
"As a legend and mighty fine player, he deserves the right to go out on his terms and it shows what has motivated him over the years.
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"He was really cross about being left out of the one-day side after the World Cup but he is a fighter and came out with the 'I'll show you' attitude, something that has made him the cricketer he is."
Younus plundered 7,249 runs, seven centuries and 48 fifties in his ODI career but Hussain feels Pakistan have the players to compensate for the veteran right-hander's departure.
The former England captain expects big things from Ahmed Shehzad, who has smacked six hundreds in his 72 ODIs to date, while 21-year-old Babar Azam impressed in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, hitting an unbeaten 62 that included four sixes.
"Some of the Pakistan fans will say Younus is not that great an ODI player and that there are other young lads who can come in," added Hussain.
"It is important with Younus going and Misbah-ul-Haq having retired from ODIs that Pakistan look to their future.
"For too long they have relied on the same sort of guys so they need to produce young batsmen now and keep them in the side, such as Shehzad, who I was amazed didn't play today [Wednesday].
"The way Babar, who also gave Pakistan energy in the field, played must give them a lot of hope for the future."
Catch the second ODI between Pakistan and England, from 10.30am, Friday, Sky Sports 2. You can also watch on NOW TV.
