The 17-member Pakistan Test squad that embarks on the tour of England this weekend contains only three players from the last English tour in 2010. The forthcoming four-Test series will see the national side’s Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq don Pakistan’s Test cap on the British Isles for the first time.
Pakistan’s One-Day International (ODI) captain, Azhar Ali, is the only batsman from the current batting lineup who played the Lord’s Test last of the four-Test series on the national side’s last visit of the United Kingdom.
Commenting on the batting lineup Misbah said, “Our batting line is way more experienced than the side which toured England in 2010. Results will be better.”
However, he did not rule out the threat that English pacers pose in the home conditions. In their recent three-Test home series against Sri Lanka, the daunting duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad took 33 scalps.
“Facing the England pace attack will be the biggest challenge for Pakistan. We’ve been preparing for since the past month.
“Batsmen need to be well-disciplined against the England attack.”
Misbah is keen to put up a good show on the tour. “We will try our best to repeat our UAE performances in England,” says Misbah, who turned 42 last month.
“The series can prove to be historical for both the sides.”
The left-arm-fast-bowler Mohammad Amir, who will return to the Test cricket on the forthcoming tour, is in top form, told the Test captain.
He further told that Yasir Shah, who will return to international cricket after serving a brief doping ban, will play a special role on the tour.
Misbah last played international cricket in November last year said, “I’m concentrating on performance more than what critics believe about me.”
Misbah to speak about his retirement
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official told that Misbah will unveil his future plan on Friday. The official stated, “Misbah will officially announce it in press or would convey it to the board till Friday of whether he wants to continue playing international cricket or not.”
Misbah retired from Twenty20 cricket in 2012 and left ODIs after Pakistan’s quarter-final finish in the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in March.
Misbah has played 61 Tests (4,352 runs), 162 ODIs (5,122 runs), and 39 Twenty20s (788 runs).
Misbah is rated as the most successful Test captain of Pakistan as he led Pakistan in 42 test matches, winning 20, losing 11 with 11 draws. Misbah is also the captain of Islamabad United team and under his captaincy it won the first edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
