KARACHI: While praising the ability of Misbah-ul-Haq’s men to handle the pressure during the just concluded Test series against England, former captain Asif Iqbal believes that a lot will now depend on how Pakistan adapt to different playing conditions around the world which will be crucial in maintaining their newly-attained second spot in the ICC rankings.

“After a very important away series win against Sri Lanka earlier this year, to beat England 2-0 in a three-Test series is a big achievement indeed. For once we can say that Pakistan team did not buckle under pressure,” Asif said while talking to Dawn.

“In order to maintain and progress in the world ranking from hereon, Pakistan will have to keep winning. Playing in England next summer is not going to be easy as conditions there are going to be more favourable to the home team obviously. The quicker we adapt to the conditions the better we will perform,” he emphasised.

Responding to the query on how significant the UAE series win against Alastair Cook’s Ashes-winning team is for Pakistan, Asif said: “It’s a very important victory that has raised our status to the second spot. Plus, it has also given confidence and self-belief to the players and the fans that we as a team are progressing.

“The most outstanding feature of Pakistan team in the UAE series was their all-round contribution. Furthermore, in every department we outplayed England and this was acknowledged by Cook too. Misbah and head coach Waqar Younis deserve full credit for this series win.”

When asked to comment on 41-year-old Misbah’s future in Tests, Asif maintained the captain could himself make the best call.

“Misbah has to make his own decision and not be persuaded by anyone else. If he is still relishing pressure and can continue to perform the way he is, there is no reason for him not to continue. I am sure he still enjoys the support of his team and also commands respect,” Asif stated.

Meanwhile, former Test cricketer and chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed Sallu said Pakistan needed to lift their fast bowling performance if the team were to maintain the achievement they had just made in the UAE.

“James Anderson and Stuart Broad made very good use of reverse swing in UAE conditions, and how much more lethal they can be next year when Pakistan visit England for a four-Test battle is anybody’s guess,” Sallu told Dawn.

“While our spinners [in the UAE] outwitted Eng­land who didn’t have top-quality spinners, our pace department was found very much wanting. Except for Wahab Riaz who bowled his heart out in the Dubai Test, other fast men [Imran Khan and Rahat Ali] failed to impress,” he said when asked to spot any weak area Pakistan think-tank should work on.

“Our fast bowlers need to reassess themselves and develop their reverse swing ability, which was once our hallmark. If we are to maintain our second Test ranking, then our pacers will have to stand up and deliver.

“In England [next year], reverse swing will play a vital role. In those conditions, Wahab and Mohammad Irfan could be our trump cards, provided they remain physically fit,” Sallu concluded.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play