Fazal Mahmood

"There were few better bowlers of his type than this tall, strong fellow who at medium-pace allied exemplary control with regular movement off the pitch. Before partition Fazal Mahmood played in the Ranji Trophy for Northern India, was a member of the Pakistan side to England in 1954, and had the major share in his country's first Test win at The Oval in August. He took 12 for 99 there and followed, on Australia's first visit to Pakistan, by taking 13 for 114 at Karachi, which enabled his side to win what also was a first Test victory.

On the retirement of A. H. Kardar he was the natural successor as captain, and led in three successive series against the West Indies (1958-59), Australia (1959-60) and India (1960-61). The Indian series, resulted in five draws on the Indian pitches, as had the previous rubber between them, played on the mat in Pakistan. He took 139 wickets in 34 Test matches, including five in an innings thirteen times. In helpful conditions he could be almost unplayable. "EW Swanton, The Cricketer

Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1955