KARACHI, Nov 30: Pakistan's record-breaking batsman Mohammad Yousuf has given credit to former leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed and his coach Bob Woolmer for the golden form that has fetched him a record nine hundreds and 1,788 runs in 2006.

Yousuf, who broke several records on Thursday on the fourth day of the final Test against the West Indies with his second century of the match, told reporters his former team mate Mushtaq had made him practice on cement slabs.

“I have worked very hard and changed my practice style,” he said. “Mushtaq was with our team as assistant coach and he made me practice a lot on slab and it improved my game a lot.

“He also gave me tips in England and it helped me focus a lot more on my batting.”

Yousuf said of Woolmer: “He has helped me improve my balance and set it right which is so important for any batsman.”

Yousuf, who converted from Christianity and is now a devout Muslim and sports a heavy beard, said: I can only thank God for giving me so much success.

“But I didn't accept Islam for worldly success. It was for peace of mind and if you follow the religious teachings God helps you automatically.”

He added: “My parents have prayed a lot for my success. I would like to dedicate this success and the records to them.”

Brian Lara, the West Indies captain, also praised the record-breaking Pakistani.

“He is very committed every time he goes out to bat and he is definitely not just a role model for Pakistan cricket but for young cricketers around the world.”

Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq described Yousuf's batting as magical and rare. “I have been playing since 1989 but I have not seen such consistency from a batsman at this level,” he said.

“To score nine hundreds in a year is a feat which will be difficult to match.”—Reuters