As is often said, “ opportunity arises from despair”. When the spot-fixing scandal broke out in 2010, Pakistan cricket seemed to be plummeting rapidly into a deep abyss. However, one phone call from unexpected quarters proved to be a game-changer in their voyage. Misbah ul Haq was the recipient of the SOS and having been appointed captain out of nowhere, he would go on to lead his country to the top of the Test rankings within six years.
In a column for cricket.com.au, the 42-year old from Mianwali relived his eventful journey. On being given the leadership mantle, Misbah reminisced, “I kept it a secret too and, owing to the state of affairs at that time, did not share it even with my family. Nobody was expecting that. The Pakistan team at that time was in shambles. It had just lost three of its finest cricketers, was without a captain and home and standing at number six in the rankings. Everything was completely out of shape.”
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However, he began to fashion the team in his own image – enduring and robust. Having had to shift to UAE, Pakistan quickly acclimatized to their new ‘home’ by utilizing the slow and low surfaces.
After making the gradual and tiring climb to the upper echelons of Test cricket, Misbah felt, “It is an unbelievable feeling to know that in six years we have reached the summit; a feeling of immense pleasure and satisfaction. The fighting spirit showed by this unit is unprecedented. In the past, there have been instances when we have succumbed under pressure after heavy defeats but we have changed this trend now. The recent England series is a prime example.”
‘Number one tag motivated us a lot’
With Australia capitulating to spin in Sri Lanka, a chance opened up at the top of the tree. Showing immense resolve, Pakistan came back to level the series 2-2 against England by winning the final Test at The Oval.
Misbah noted, “Before the Oval Test I talked to the team. I told them August 14 was approaching and if we could win this match on the country's Independence Day it would be a huge gift for the people of Pakistan, who are so emotionally attached to cricket.”
He added, “It is a huge achievement to be at top of the world. It is just like winning a World Cup for your team, therefore everyone in the team wanted to touch the summit no matter whether it was for a day or a week or a month. The number one tag was in the minds of all the players and it motivated us a lot.“
However, the seasoned campaigner admitted that maintaining the number one ranking will take a lot more out of them than reaching there. He believed, “The challenge now is to maintain our ranking and for that, we will have to do well in the upcoming series against West Indies, New Zealand and Australia. The tours to New Zealand and Australia will be difficult. Having said that, our team has the potential to win matches in Australia, too, just like we have done in England.“
With India scheduled to play as many as 13 Tests at home in the upcoming season, the battle for the top spot will be a fascinating one.
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