Watch: Pakistan Cricket team pays tribute to its army

‘Hardwork always pays off.’ The most recent example to elaborate this common saying can be Pakistan cricket team. The opening test of the four match test series at Lord’s will go down as one the most significant test win in the history of Pakistan cricket. The ‘Men in Green’ skittled out hosts England inside four days to achieve a sensational 75 runs win.

It was an all-around effort from the team which, just a couple of months ago, was surrounded by controversies and blame games after poor international performances. Pakistan has always been an unpredictable team. But, this time around the scenario was very different. They were fully prepared and ready to take on the buoyant England side in their own backyard.

The lacklustre performance at the start of the year meant there was a complete crackdown on the fitness of the players. Newly appointed chief selector Inzamam ul Haq had rigorous plans for his team before they flew to the UK.

Inzi did the most unpredicted thing by calling out the army men to trains and get the boys in top-notch shape. There was no mercy. Everyone was grinded and the challenge was tough. The tasks were so tough that only two men (Misbah ul Haq and Younus Khan) out of the whole contingent. However, soon, the boys were brought in track and by the time the Eid ul Fitr arrived they were off to England.

The effect and result of the punishing time with the army men was totally visible in the first test. The credit for the win surely goes to the Pakistan Army. And, the team did not forget to give the due respect to them after the win as the team led by the senior-most veteran of the team Younus Khan saluted them standing in the middle of the ‘Mecca of Cricket’  -The Lord’s.