Dubai: After celebrating his return to cricket with a fine century, Pakistan batsman Mohammed Hafeez gave credit to his wife and former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for convincing him not to retire.

Opening the batting for Pakistan in the first Test against Australia in Dubai on Sunday, Hafeez scored 126, his 10th century in Tests, to help his team to 255/3 on the first day.

The 37-year-old Hafeez also spoke about Akhtar's role in convincing him to not quit the game.

“I was mentally disturbed after being dropped from the Asia Cup team,” the right-hander said.

“I could have taken a drastic step, but I was stopped by my wife and then Shoaib Akhtar phoned me as well,” he added.

Hafeez continued, “I could have been doing something else (had I retired). But, probably this was the place where I had to stage a comeback. When I came back in the team, all the players welcomed me and gave me confidence and that increased my inner energy.”

He was dropped from the team owing to his poor performance two years back in a Test series in England. However, according to him, he is back in shape and ready to perform well for his country.

“I am very happy after this hundred. I tried my level best in the last couple of years to get back into this format and I am so happy to get a chance after a long time. I had no fear at all. I really backed myself and I knew that whenever it is the right time I will perform,” he said.