Seasoned Pakistani Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq has announced his intentions to end a stellar career by touring Australia in the 2016-17 season. ESPNCricinfo reported the 41-year old opening up about his future plans and dispelling rumors surrounding fitness issues.
After being ruled out of the National One-Day Cup with a calf strain, the Mianwali-born veteran rebounded to lead Islamabad to the Pakistan Super League title in February. Later, it was revealed that Misbah had played through the Twenty-20 competition through injury.
Subsequently, he underwent a rigorous rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy and has labeled the forthcoming Pakistan Cup as an opportunity to prove his fitness.
Misbah asserted, "I am fine and hopefully this injury won't be an issue ahead. I have the one-day cup, conditioning camps and A-team tour ahead. So, I am looking forward. It has been very tough being idle but I made my mind up to play the England series.”
In a move which speaks volumes about his commitment to Pakistan cricket, the middle-order batsman will travel with the A team to England in a bid to regain match practice ahead of a tough Test series against the hosts.
He affirmed, “Unfortunately, I didn't get an opportunity to play county cricket. But, I am planning to go England with few of our boys before the tour to play some practice matches adapt in the condition there.”
‘Hope by the time I leave, the Pakistan Test team is in safe hands’
Despite their plummeting fortunes in limited-overs cricket, Pakistan still remain a strong Test side. However, that notion will be put to the sword when they tour England, New Zealand and Australia in quick succession.
Stating his eagerness to be a part of all those fixtures, Misbah sounded confident about his workload. He believed, "If I manage to play the England series then I should also play the upcoming West Indies, New Zealand and Australia series as well mainly because they are at close gaps.”
The stalwart added, “Although I am certain about my will of playing all the series it will also be subject to my form and fitness as if it goes down then I will walk away rather rather than being a burden on the team.”
Happy with the results that he has achieved with the Test team, so far, Misbah noted, “As a captain and a player you cannot achieve everything. But, I am satisfied with the result I have got for Pakistan so far. Although I am disappointed that I couldn't do well with the limited-overs team, I believe I have achieved a lot.”
Though he will be 42 by the time those matches get underway, the right-hander remained unfazed about the challenges. Misbah hoped, “All you think is positive and I want to contribute. And this is why I am planning to play a certain length of time so that youngsters are ready to take my place.”
“I hope by the time I leave, the Pakistan Test team is in safe hands and standing solidly on their own feet. If the team remains intact, when a new captain replaces me it shouldn't feel any different.”
But, things will not be easy with head coach Waqar Younis leaving the scene. Accepting the reality, Misbah felt, “Obviously, it does make a difference when a settled combination is broken. I had good understanding and things were great in Tests. But, at the end of the day you are professional and eventually have to adjust accordingly. I hope the new coach comes early and we can talk to depart for England tour with a good chemistry.”
Pakistan’s trip to the United Kingdom encompasses four Tests, seven ODIs (of which two are against Ireland) and a solitary T20I with the practice matches beginning on July 3.
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