Those 6 Test batsmen…who defeated age, scored centuries, 97 year old world record still stands

New Delhi. Cricket is often called a youth's game. Where agility, quick reflexes and enthusiasm are given priority. But if we turn the pages of the history of Test cricket, we hear the roar of some 'old lions' who, despite having gray hair and advancing age, made the world's best bowlers sweat. This is the story of those warriors who maintained their dominance at the crease even after crossing the age of 40. At the top of the list comes the name of 'The Master' Sir Jack Hobbs. It was March 8, 1929, the historic ground of Melbourne and in front was the arch-rival Australian team. Hobbs was 46 years and 82 days old at that time. Where people plan for coaching or retirement at this age, Hobbs created history by playing a brilliant inning of 142 runs. Even today, he is the oldest player in the world to score a century in Test cricket. His innings was an unmatched example of patience and technique, which proved that class never ends.

Hendren and Woolley's dominance
Patsy Hendren of England scored 132 runs against Australia on the wet pitches of Manchester in 1934 at the age of 45 years and 151 days. Right after her comes the name of Frank Woolley, who played a blazing innings of 154 runs against South Africa in 1929. These players showed that cricket is not only a game of physical strength but also of mental strength.

Warren Bardsley's unbeaten bravery at Lord's
The story of Australia's Warren Bardsley is no less exciting. In 1926, at the age of 43 years and 202 days, he played an unbeaten inning of 193 runs against England at the ground called 'Mecca' of Lord's. Fatigue did not reach him and he kept his wicket safe till the end. In 1921, on the bouncy pitches of Johannesburg, South Africa's Arthur Nurse added 111 runs against Australia at the age of 42 years and 291 days. This was at a time when there were no safety equipment (helmets etc.), yet the courage of these veterans did not diminish.

Misbah-ul-Haq, the 'push-up' king of the modern era
The most recent and most popular name in this list is that of former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq. When Misbah came out to bat on the historic ground of Lord's on 14 July 2016, he was 42 years and 47 days old. Misbah stood firm against the deadly fast bowlers of England and played a captaincy inning of 114 runs. What Misbah did after completing his century was recorded among the most memorable moments in cricket history. He did push-ups on the field itself. This was a befitting reply to those critics who were questioning his age. Misbah proved that if fitness and passion are together, age can be defeated even in modern cricket.