PREFECE

The best form of public service is to serve humanity. It was about four years ago that Asif Sohail, a sports journalist of Lahore. Approached me with the idea of writing a book on twelve to fourteen Test match cricketers with whom I had played and enjoyed cricket, in the beginning , I was reluctant for it was a daunting task to recall and write down the memories of the good old days. Moreover, to select cricketers without any bias was a cumbersome exercise.

Nevertheless, after much persuasion, I agreed. I decided to dedicate the book to the concept of fair play which is what cricket meant to most of us in those days. Asiff Sohail did the necessary research work by collecting and arranging the records and details of the feats of these cricketers. He also helped in collecting and arranging the photographs. Avery warm letter from my dear friend Keith Miller motivated me to go ahead with the idea.

I have tried to portray Test cricketers who were extraordinary.

I might have left out some great contemporaries but only because I lacked information about them. The cricketers I have chosen were personally known to me. They were legends in their times, were dedicated to cricket, and were of the highest caliber. They achieved great heights through their hard work and sense of responsibility. They all had a sense of fair play, were oblivious to material interests and were always ready to promote human welfare on and off the field.

These cricketers lived up to the expectations of their people. They helped advocated and practiced cricket. They never bragged about their unique performances. Do well and forget was their motto. They were immortal and their names, and the glory and respect attained by them, shall live as long as crocket in played.