Misbah-ul-Haq claims that he could play on until 50

Pakistan Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, who had indicated last year that Pakistan’s recently-concluded tour of England could be his assignment as an international cricketer, has now claimed that he could well play on until the age of 50.

The 42-year-old, who became the oldest cricketer to score a Test century in 82 years during the tour, joked that he could well on to break the world record for the oldest Test cricketer, currently held by England’s Wilfred Rhodes who played his last Test at the age of 52.

Misbah led commendably from the front scoring a Test century in the first innings of the first Test at Lord’s which set the visitors on their way to a thrilling 75-run victory over the hosts before Alastair Cook’s side came back strongly at Old Trafford and Edgbaston to register a 2-1 lead after the first three Tests.

With momentum fairly in their favour, England were expected to wrap up the series at Oval, but the visitors came back strongly with a spirited performance to ensure that the series, which was easily one of the most evenly-contested series in recent times, finished all square at 2-2.

Misbah, who had announced that he had a big announcement to make regarding his future prior to the team’s departure to England before backtracking on the statement seems to have made a complete turnaround with the veteran cricketer claiming that he is not ready to quit the game anytime soon.

Speaking to BBC in an exclusive interview, Misbah quipped: “Probably, I am ready to make another world record, playing till the age of 50.”

Speaking about the historic victory at the Oval, which incidentally came on the occasion of Pakistan’s independence day, Misbah said that the victory was one which could have a long-lasting influence in Pakistan cricket.

“The Oval win is not only pleasing as it is achieved on the Independence Day, but it will also help us form a legacy for our future Test teams,” Misbah said after the last Test. “When I took over as captain, that was my aim. So this win will help me leave a legacy for future Test teams.”

The manner in which Misbah has maintained himself physically even after getting into his 40s, as exemplified by his push-up celebrations after completing his century at Lord’s has been truly exceptional and one sees no reason why the skipper who commands a lot of respect from his teammates should step down just yet.