One of the initial purveyors of reverse swing, Sarfraz Nawaz Malik was top quality quick. He had all the ingredients of a potent fast bowler - a strong action, bouncers, yorkers and swing (both conventional and reverse). He was so effective that he generated good lift on docile sub-continental tracks too. He is more remembered for his 'spell from hell' - 9-86 against Australia at MCG in 1979. Overall, he snapped 177 Test and 63 ODI wickets.

He also served Northamptonshire with distinction in two stints. As a lower order batsman, he often swung his bat and got quick runs and he averaged over 40 in a series on three occasions.

He attracted a few controversies as well. Sarfraz controversially dismissed Aussie batsman, Andrew Hildrich for handling the ball in the next test at Perth after his 'spell from hell'. His withdrawal from a home series against England also created quite a furore.

Following his retirement, Sarfraz Nawaz plunged into the labyrinthine world of Pakistan politics.

By Deivarayan Muthu