Putting an end to speculation regarding his retirement from international cricket, Pakistan Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq revealed that he is looking forward to leading his side in the four-match Test series against England, scheduled to begin in July, Hindustan Times reports.
Having retired from the other formats of the game, Misbah said that he would be playing regularly in domestic cricket to keep himself in good condition ahead of the tour to England, a series, the veteran described as a “challenging” one.
“The reason I am playing domestic cricket is because I want to tour England and lead the side,” Misbah told reporters at the national stadium in Karachi.
Speaking in November, Misbah had said that he would like to play against India in Test cricket once again before calling time on his career. However, with the scheduled series between the two neighbouring nations not forthcoming, Misbah’s dream looked set to remain an unfulfilled one especially after he hinted that he could retire after the Test series against England which was held in the UAE.
“I will really think about what I should do because there is a long gap before our next series. One should think about leaving the game with respect rather than leaving it when he is forced to leave,” Misbah had said.
However, Misbah, who would be 42 by the time Pakistan tour England, said that he has shelved those plans for the time being and is focussed on leading his side in what would be a challenging assignment.
“I want to play in England that is why I am active in domestic cricket because I see that tour as a big challenge for our standing as a top Test team,” he said.
Misbah disappointed by the approach of Pakistan’s upcoming cricketers
Misbah’s last competitive match came as recently as Sunday when he captained Sui Northern Gas team to their third successive Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title defeating Younis Khan led United Bank, hit out at the youngsters that featured in the match for being “irresponsible”
“I am disappointed and I think these youngsters who are future of Pakistan cricket need to understand there are no shortcuts in Test cricket. You have to be prepared to bat for at least three sessions to get a hundred,” he said.
“You have to show respect to a bowler. You have to wait for the bad ball and play to your strength. You can’t try a big hit after two or three balls.”
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