DUBAI: Veteran batsman Younis Khan Wednesday said he was proud to become the first Pakistani to score a hundred against all nine Test opponents and equalling the record of most hundred for his country.
The 36-year-old scored a brilliant 106 to help Pakistan recover from a precarious 7/2 to 219/4 at close on the opening day at Dubai Stadium. It was his 25th Test hundred, equalling Pakistan's record held by Inzamam-ul Haq.
This was Younis' first century against Australia, making him the first Pakistani and 12th batsman in the world to score hundred against all Test opponents. Before Younis, Gary Kirsten and Jacques Kallis of South Africa, Sri Lanka's Marvan Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, Australia's Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist, India's Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid and West Indian Brian Lara had achieved the feat.
"The feeling is very nice, it's an honour and I feel proud to become the first Pakistani to score against all countries," said Younis Khan after the match.
Younis scored a brilliant 177 against Sri Lanka in August.
"When I scored hundred in Sri Lanka and equalled (Mohammad) Yousuf's record of 24, it came to my mind that I have no hundred against Australia. Equalling the great Inzamam's record is an even bigger honour," said Younis.
Dropped for the preceding 3-0 One-Day defeat against Australia, Younis said he has seen many ups and downs in his career.
"It has never been easy for me throughout my career," said Younis, who made his debut in 2000.
"Things keep going against me but I play for my country. Whenever my team needs me, I go there and play positive cricket with positive body language. I knew that if I play well here, I will be a proud Pakistani," said Younis, who believes a 400-plus total would help Pakistan.
"I think 400-plus would be vey nice but it’s not going to be easy. As a unit, the Australians are very tough," said Younis.
Paceman Mitchell Johnson, Australia's best bowler with 3-22, praised Younis.
"We toiled well and used the conditions really well to get two early breakthroughs but Younis batted patiently and scored whenever he had the opportunity to score," said Johnson.
