I intended to start this thread a while back, when I first noted Bob Woolmer's interesting article on Mohammad Yousuf: his basic summary of strengths and weaknesses reads as follows:The link between work ethic and success emanates strongly.. and just to wind Mr Hutt up he has a bit to say on the conversion to Islam:

No one ever said Rachael that his conversion helped improve the technical side of his batting, but to deny that it has had any affect at all on his recent success, that's like saying CBMs have no value in politics, or like arguing that words have no value in life and relationships, but its just actions that counts. No one is saying or has said (to my knowledge at least) that Yousuf's example means that everyone should convert, or that conversion alone can give you such success, but it merely states the fact that in Yousuf's case his conversion has helped improve his focus as an individual and invariably that has had an effect on how he plays. To deny that, especially when the person in question him self is admitting of it, is plain naive, ignorant and frankly even stupid.

Woolmer made that point about balance, and I think he's right, one other observation I have made personally is an improvement in his concentration span. Prior to his recent high-scoring spree, Yousuf had a reputation as bit of minnow basher and/or flat track bully, I always thought this was down to his low-concentrations levels and that's why he'd often throw away good starts. One such innings was his fifty in the 2nd test against South Africa I think, it was our last innings in that tour and we had done very poorly through out its course, that time too it was a hopeless situation where the requirement was for us to bat for time and try to save the game. Yousuf came in close to the end of the day, raced to very rapid fire fifty (if I'm remembering correct it was something of recording breaking fast half century), looked very dangerous but then, right before the close of play, he got out playing a very casual stroke. This was not one occasion in isolation. It was a trend at that time. And this has changed now.

May be his conversation helped enhance his self belief too. And may be that, along with the better focus Woolmer has spoken of, has combined to play a role in the success he recently has had. There is nothing wrong or sinister or suggesting of extremism hence in feeling happy for how religion had had an effect on him, and for the man him self generally contrary to what some "enlightened moderated" people will have you believe, Rachael.

Here's Mohammad Yousuf talking about his religion and his recent success in his own words. Excerpts below:

__________________
A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes
Mark Twain

Exactly Maranello. No one is saying conversation made Yousuf a better cricketer, belief or lack of belief in something can hardly change the way you're going to bat, bowl or field after all, but it affects the way you think and act in your personal life, and invariably that has an affect on your professional ethic and personality, which might in turn lead to other things. People who are insecure about their own believes tend to take such discussions as an implication of others saying believing in Islam can lead to cricket success, but that's hardly what's being said.

I accepted Islam as my religion because I believe in its divinity and its truth. My conversion is a conversion of the heart, not a calculated and ambitious move, as made out by some media people. I don’t need to change my religion to regain the captaincy of the Pakistan cricket team; that is absurd. Danish Kaneria, a Hindu, is in the team and there’s no problem with that. I have played for Pakistan for 10 long years and there has been no problem.

Blessed by Allah
Allah the Almighty has blessed me with so much since I began following his path; it really is a miracle. It’s not just for the sake of a match or for scoring a century that I bow before Allah. Islam is the true religion because it says life after death is the real life; the better you prepare for it now, the better your afterlife will be.
I see prayer as essential. Reciting Koranic verses, while I’m playing cricket, helps me develop an intense concentration and gives me a sense of strength as well. For the last 18 months the Pakistani team has tried to pray together five times a day, beginning at the first light of day. That shows discipline.
It’s not a ritual that I’m performing on the field. It’s just a feeling that every true Muslim has all through the day.

Glad to see the difference
I didn’t feel the way I do now when I was a Christian, but I don’t regret it. I’m glad I had the chance to see the difference. I was lucky to be introduced to Islam by my teammates. Before that I had no idea what it was to be complete and content.
The fact that my performance has improved immensely is an answer from above to those who say my conversion has been for material gains, whereas my connection with God is purely spiritual. I’m thankful to the Almighty that I’m able to beat records and have my name bracketed with the greats of the game.
The difference, as I’ve understood it, between Islam and other religions is that you do not have to formally follow a ‘worship plan’ to feel closer to God. When I’m playing cricket, when I’m on the field, I’m not worshipping God — I’m just playing cricket with the feeling that Allah is close to my heart, just the way I feel while driving a car or sitting with my friends.

Spirituality and the killer instinct
After I retire I plan to serve God by devoting myself to preaching Islam to all those people out there who have not been exposed to the real face of the religion. Helping people, not just in cricket but in all departments of life, is the social duty of every person on the face of this earth, and Islam — beyond everything — teaches the need for being kind to others.
Having said that, I must add that there is nothing incongruous about having the killer instinct that the modern game requires while, at the same time, nurturing your spirituality. The probable reason why people tend to question my status as a cricketer and a Muslim is because I’m a convert.


Being a true servant
Being a servant of Allah means that you don’t have to be ‘known as’ anything. The true servant of God is not a publicity hound; he is a humble, down-to-earth person who wishes to serve God with emotion and regardless of returns. All the servant wishes is the pleasure of God.
Look at Saeed Anwar [the explosive Pakistani batsman who retired from the game a few years back]. He has devoted all his life to serve God, yet his identity is that of a cricketer. In the history of the sport, he will always remain an ace opener.



http://www.dnaindia.com/sunreport.asp?Newsid=1068396

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I posted it in refine form with proper headings hope others won't mind