<p>Hanif said he ranked India's Lala Amarnath and Sachin Tendulkar, West Indian Sir Garry Sobers and Brian Lara as some of the best players of the last century.<br /><br />"His (Tendulkar's) hunger and passion as a batsman and for the game is amazing. I still make it a point to sit down and watch him bat. He is a cricketing jewel of the subcontinent," he said.<br />The former wicket-keeper batsman also rated India as his favourite opponent.<br />"Playing against India was always the best moments of my career and some of my best innings came against them," Hanif said, on the occasion of his 75th birthday today. <br /><br />Hanif, who played 55 Tests and 238 first class matches in a glittering career where he earned the sobriquet of "Little Master" for the longest innings in Test history - his 970-minute 337 against West Indies in Bridgetown in 1957-58, said he was delighted to be a part of Pakistan's cricketing history.<br />"It has been a wonderful career and great life. I am thankful to almighty Allah for celebrating my 75th birthday," he said.<br />Asked about Pakistan's chances in the upcoming Test series against Australia, Hanif said, We have a very strong bowling line up which is capable of bowling out Australia twice in a match.<br /><br />"But our batsmen need to support the bowlers and they need to apply themselves and stay at the wicket. Test cricket is all about concentration and focus."</p>
<p>Hanif said he ranked India's Lala Amarnath and Sachin Tendulkar, West Indian Sir Garry Sobers and Brian Lara as some of the best players of the last century.<br /><br />"His (Tendulkar's) hunger and passion as a batsman and for the game is amazing. I still make it a point to sit down and watch him bat. He is a cricketing jewel of the subcontinent," he said.<br />The former wicket-keeper batsman also rated India as his favourite opponent.<br />"Playing against India was always the best moments of my career and some of my best innings came against them," Hanif said, on the occasion of his 75th birthday today. <br /><br />Hanif, who played 55 Tests and 238 first class matches in a glittering career where he earned the sobriquet of "Little Master" for the longest innings in Test history - his 970-minute 337 against West Indies in Bridgetown in 1957-58, said he was delighted to be a part of Pakistan's cricketing history.<br />"It has been a wonderful career and great life. I am thankful to almighty Allah for celebrating my 75th birthday," he said.<br />Asked about Pakistan's chances in the upcoming Test series against Australia, Hanif said, We have a very strong bowling line up which is capable of bowling out Australia twice in a match.<br /><br />"But our batsmen need to support the bowlers and they need to apply themselves and stay at the wicket. Test cricket is all about concentration and focus."</p>
