an "attractive stroke-making right-handed batsman, who was ideal in a crisis", he played in pakistan's first 18 tests, including its first five victories. in pakistan's first test series, against india in 1952–53, he was the highest scorer on either side, with 357 runs at an average of 44.62, playing several defiant innings when pakistan were in trouble. he was less successful on the 1954 tour of england, with 103 runs at 14.71, but impressed with his fielding in the covers.