LAHORE: Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq has said though the England tour is a very challenging one, his team is in high spirits and is keen to win.

He expressed these views while talking to media on the eve of Pakistan team’s departure to England on Saturday.

Pakistan will play four Tests, five ODIs and one T20 on the tour besides two ODI matches against Ireland.

Misbah said Pakistan teams had always performed well in England and this time too they will not disappoint their fans.

“Yes, the tour is a challenging one, but these challenges always help us to raise our game and win.

Squad departs for challenging tour today

“If we succeed in scoring around 350 runs in a Test, we will have bright chances of winning with the confidence the Pakistan Test team is enjoying at the moment.

“Our bowling attack is also excellent and it has the ability to destroy even the strongest of batting line-ups,” Misbah said. “I see the tour as a bright opportunity for our players to prove their mettle and play their due role in Pakistan’s victory.

“We just need to be focused and not get overawed by English conditions which will suit the home side,” he added.

To a question, Misbah negated the impression that he was thinking of retiring from Test cricket. “I have not taken any decision in this regard as yet.”

When asked what sort of relationship he was enjoying with chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, Misbah said: “A very good one.” “Inzamam also led the Pakistan team, so he knows how a captain thinks and what his requirements are.”

The skipper pinned high hopes on leg-spinner Yasir Shah, saying Australia’s Shane Warne and Pakistan’s Mushtaq Ahmed and Danish Kaneria had troubled English players on their home soil during the past series too. “Though the England team is performing well, I think they are fully aware of what Yasir Shah can do to them with his spinners,” he said.

He added that he has high expectations from Mohammad Amir and advised him to concentrate on his game, ignoring the past.

“Amir has to prove both on and off the field that he is a changed man and this is the right way for everyone to stage a comeback in all fields of life,” Misbah said. “I hope Amir will play a vital role in Pakistan’s victories,” he concluded.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2016