Old is gold. This is a phrase that is often used to compliment the aged and the experienced for their extraordinary achievements. In the present context, it best fits Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq who was the hero of the first day at Lord’s Test.

At 42, the oldest in business as a player and as a captain of his country, Misbah certainly has not lost any of his golden touch and his brilliant hundred in his first ever Test in England on Thursday was a testament to that.

When in the middle and leading his men, he seldom would give an impression that he is under any sort of pressure or is flustered.

Keeping his cool, with a calm and calculated demeanor, he keeps his charges motivated as well as disciplined, always lifting their spirits and egging them on to strike back at the opposition.

And when he is batting, he is no different. Because he has this unique and unflinching ability to tackle impossible situations and put his team back in the game to assert authority.

Misbah, of course, has been the most successful captain of Pakistan with twenty wins in his 42 matches as captain which says a lot about his determination and skill. As a prolific batsman, too, after having played 61 Tests, he averages 48.89 with nine centuries and 32 fifties.

A player who has often be described as a grafter and compiler of runs, he stunned his critics by smashing a 56 ball hundred against Australia at Abu Dhabi in 2014 to equal the great Viv Richards’ record.

At Lord’s on Thursday, it was not any different as he walked in at the fall of Azhar Ali as Pakistan batsmen struggled to get into a rhythm and build a partnership after Mohammad Hafeez gifted his wicket when he looked set for a big innings.

Misbah stood up to the challenge and began to repair the innings with deft handling of the English bowlers including Chris Woakes, Chris Broad and the debutant Jake Ball.

He pushed and shoved, flicked and glanced to settle down first and then pierced the gaps to pick up fabulous boundaries.

In Asad Shafiq he found an ideal man to partner him. Their fine stand took Pakistan surely out of the woods.

Asad Shafiq like Misbah has a calming influence as a batsman as is his captain who with age and experience looks a class in himself, showing to his junior partner that with little bit of application the complexion of the game could be turned around to their advantage.

Misbah’s hundred took the focus away from Mohammad Amir, albeit temporarily, as the young pacer awaited his turn in the dressing room. Tomorrow promises to be another exciting day here.

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2016