First-class bowler who led Pakistan to famous Test match victories. Fazal Mahmood, the exceptional talented Pakistani fast bowler and captain, strode centre-stage for his young country in the 1950s. For most of his career he lived up to his country's hopes and expectations. Mahmood bowled right-armed, fast-medium and a master of nagging length, an accurate line and carried a full armoury, including leg-cutters and break-backs - bowling on matting he was devastating. As a Test bowler he was a patient and cheerful in adversity. He was adored in 1951-52 when playing against MCC in Karachi; he took six for 40 in 26 Over. Such feats did much to accelerate Pakistan's rise to Test match ranking and Mahmood became a household name, earned accolades and was recognised worldwide. Mahmood succeeded to the captaincy in 1958 and led his nation in 10 Test matches until 1961, when age took toll of stamina and strength. On retirement he continued to serve his people as a senior police officer. Fazal served as a national selector, conducted coaching and he was a prominent cricket voice on Pakistan radio and television in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He wrote Talesh-e-Haq, in which he discussed religious affairs and penned an autobiography, Dusk To Dawn. Fazal Mahmood with his striking vivid green eyes, a thick crop of wavy hair, cravat and smoking cigarette, was born in Lahore.