England Tests: Pakistan batsmen have more experience this time, says Misbah

Published June 15, 2016
Misbah is yet to feature in a Test on the British Isles. — AFP/File
Misbah is yet to feature in a Test on the British Isles. — AFP/File

The 17-member Pakistan Test squad that embarks on the tour of England this weekend contains only three players from the last English tour in 2010. The forthcoming four-Test series will see the national side's Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq don Pakistan's Test cap on the British Isles for the first time.

Pakistan's One-Day International (ODI) captain, Azhar Ali, is the only batsman from the current batting lineup who played the Lord's Test — last of the four-Test series — on the national side's last visit of the United Kingdom.

Commenting on the batting lineup Misbah said, "Our batting line is way more experienced than the side which toured England in 2010. Results will be better."

However, he did not rule out the threat that English pacers pose in the home conditions. In their recent three-Test home series against Sri Lanka, the daunting duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad took 33 scalps.

"Facing the England pace attack will be the biggest challenge for Pakistan. We’ve been preparing for since the past month.

"Batsmen need to be well-disciplined against the England attack."

Misbah is keen to put up a good show on the tour. "We will try our best to repeat our UAE performances in England," says Misbah, who turned 42 last month.

"The series can prove to be historical for both the sides."

The left-arm-fast-bowler Mohammad Amir, who will return to the Test cricket on the forthcoming tour, is in top form, told the Test captain.

Read: ‘We are ready for Pakistan’, says Cook after Sri Lanka rout

He further told that Yasir Shah, who will return to international cricket after serving a brief doping ban, will play a special role on the tour.

Misbah last played international cricket in November last year said, "I’m concentrating on performance more than what critics believe about me."

Misbah to speak about his retirement on Friday

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official told that Misbah will unveil his future plan on Friday. Talking to APP, the official stated, "Misbah will officially announce it in press or would convey it to the board till Friday of whether he wants to continue playing international cricket or not."

The most successful Test skipper

Misbah retired from Twenty20 cricket in 2012 and left ODIs after Pakistan's quarter-final finish in the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in March.

Misbah has played 61 Tests (4,352 runs), 162 ODIs (5,122 runs), and 39 Twenty20s (788 runs).

Misbah is rated as the most successful Test captain of Pakistan as he led Pakistan in 42 test matches, winning 20, losing 11 with 11 draws. Misbah is also the captain of Islamabad United team and under his captaincy it won the first edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Opinion

Merging for what?

Merging for what?

The concern is that if the government is thinking of cutting costs through the merger, we might even lose the functionality levels we currently have.

Editorial

Dubai properties
Updated 16 May, 2024

Dubai properties

It is hoped that any investigation that is conducted will be fair and that no wrongdoing will be excused.
In good faith
16 May, 2024

In good faith

THE ‘P’ in PTI might as well stand for perplexing. After a constant yo-yoing around holding talks, the PTI has...
CTDs’ shortcomings
16 May, 2024

CTDs’ shortcomings

WHILE threats from terrorist groups need to be countered on the battlefield through military means, long-term ...
Reserved seats
Updated 15 May, 2024

Reserved seats

The ECP's decisions and actions clearly need to be reviewed in light of the country’s laws.
Secretive state
15 May, 2024

Secretive state

THERE is a fresh push by the state to stamp out all criticism by using the alibi of protecting national interests....
Plague of rape
15 May, 2024

Plague of rape

FLAWED narratives about women — from being weak and vulnerable to provocative and culpable — have led to...