Miran Bux, Pakistani cricketer (d. 1991)

Malik Miran Bakhsh, born on April 20, 1907, and passing away on February 8, 1991, holds a distinctive place in Pakistani cricket history as an international cricketer. Throughout his playing days, he was affectionately known simply as Miran Bux. His career, though brief at the highest level with just two Test matches played in 1955, is marked by an extraordinary debut that etched his name into the annals of cricket records.

It was against fierce rivals India in Lahore that Miran Bakhsh stepped onto the Test arena for the first time, a remarkable feat considering his age. At 47 years and 284 days, he became the second oldest Test debutant in the sport's history, a statistic surpassed only by England's James Southerton, who debuted at 49. What makes this achievement even more astonishing is that this monumental international appearance was, quite unusually, only his second-ever first-class cricket match. This singular event underscores a truly unique pathway to the pinnacle of the game, highlighting his raw talent or perhaps the pressing need for his particular skill set within the nascent Pakistani cricket setup of the era.

A Unique Off-Spinner's Journey

Miran Bakhsh was primarily known as a tall off-spinner, a bowler whose craft involved imparting significant spin on the ball to make it deviate from leg to off-side for a right-handed batsman, often relying on his height to gain extra bounce and leverage. Even before his Test cap, his performances hinted at a promising talent. In the 1948/49 season, he notably took five wickets in a two-day match against the formidable touring West Indies side, showcasing his ability to trouble international batsmen. The very next season, 1949/50, saw him achieve an even more impressive haul, snaring ten wickets in another two-day encounter, this time against the Commonwealth XI, a strong touring team featuring players from various cricketing nations. These early exploits against high-calibre opposition demonstrated his potential and perhaps paved the way for his eventual, albeit late, call-up to the national team.

Continued Dedication to First-Class Cricket

Following his brief international stint in 1955, Miran Bakhsh's passion for the game did not wane. He continued to be an active presence in first-class cricket within Pakistan until the 1958/59 season. His enduring commitment saw him playing the game even into his fifties. In his final first-class match, remarkably at the age of 51, he proved his evergreen skill by taking four crucial wickets while playing for Rawalpindi against Peshawar. This performance in the twilight of his career was a testament to his fitness and sustained bowling ability.

Among his career highlights, his best bowling figures stand out vividly: an incredible 6 wickets for just 15 runs. This exceptional performance occurred during a match for Combined Services at Dacca in the 1956/57 season. With this devastating spell, he played a pivotal role in dismissing East Pakistan Whites for a paltry total of just 33 runs, a remarkable display of bowling prowess that underlines his impact as a bowler even after his international appearances had concluded. The Combined Services team often comprised players from various military or government departments, and East Pakistan, a historical region now known as Bangladesh, was a significant part of Pakistan's cricketing landscape at the time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many Test matches did Malik Miran Bakhsh play?
Malik Miran Bakhsh played in two Test matches for Pakistan, both in 1955.
How old was Miran Bakhsh when he made his Test debut?
He was 47 years and 284 days old when he made his Test debut against India in Lahore, making him the second oldest Test debutant in history.
Who holds the record for the oldest Test debutant?
The record for the oldest Test debutant belongs to England's James Southerton, who debuted at the age of 49.
What was Miran Bakhsh's primary bowling style?
Miran Bakhsh was a tall off-spinner, known for his ability to impart spin and gain bounce.
When did Miran Bakhsh conclude his first-class cricket career?
He continued playing first-class cricket in Pakistan until the 1958/59 season, eventually retiring at the age of 51.
What were Miran Bakhsh's best bowling figures in first-class cricket?
His best bowling figures were an impressive 6 wickets for just 15 runs, achieved for Combined Services against East Pakistan Whites in 1956/57.