Misbah-ul-Haq is as frustrated as a fan of Pakistan after losing 1st Test against England at Old Trafford. England chased down the stiff target of 277 after being reduced to 117 for five in the fourth innings. Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq’s remark came as England’s Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes put up a 139-run stand for the sixth wicket. Chris Woakes remained unbeaten on 84, while Jos Buttler was dismissed after scoring 75 odd runs.
Chris Woakes was struggling for form with the bat while Jos Buttler had a forgettable experience behind the stumps, however, both finally saw England come-from-behind victory.
Misbah-ul-Haq: As Frustrated As Fans For Losing Despite Playing Well
In the first innings mainly due to opener Shan Masood’s knock of 156 runs, Pakistan scored 326 and managed to gain a first-innings lead of 107 runs but was bowled out cheaply for 169 in the second essay. England was bowled out for 219 as veteran Yasir Shah scalped four wickets, but England went on to win by three wickets.
“We are feeling frustrated, just as the fans are, after the Old Trafford Test match but this is how cricket is. There are very small margins between victory and defeat and it’s easy to curse yourself when you’ve lost. But, we should remember that we were right on top until pretty much the last session of the game and we played very good cricket. Sure, we need to improve 10 to 15 per cent and deal with pressure situations a little better but we shouldn’t be mentally down,” Misbah said in an official release issued by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
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“There is a disappointment, of course, but we must not keep that feeling in our minds otherwise it will be difficult to come back but the team believes we can fight back. It was a thrilling Test match and full credit must go to England for the way they fought back, came from behind and took the game away from us. There was wonderful cricket played by both teams. Sometimes luck doesn’t favour you, sometimes the opposition plays well – that’s the beauty of the game,” he added.
Misbah-ul-Haq gave England credit for dealing with the pressured situations but said that it was a close-fought game and both teams worked hard to win but eventually, Pakistan lost despite being on top till the last session.
Misbah-ul-Haq: Shan Worked Hard, But Pakistan Need To Improve
In the first innings, both Babar Azam and Shan Masood, who worked hard with coaches Shahid Aslam and Younis Khan played well, but they need to improve. The duo overall fought well despite losing the Test and maintained that it was a great decision to bat first against the strong pace attack of England.
“We still need to improve, of course, but overall we fought really well against a top team in our first international fixture for six months. It was a brave decision to bat first against England’s bowling attack in those conditions. Shan Masood batted really well and it was great to see his partnerships with, first, Babar Azam and then Shadab Khan that shifted the momentum,” Misbah-ul-Haq said.
“Shan should be given a lot of credit for his innings. He has been working so hard – with coaches Shahid Aslam and now Younis Khan – ever since I took the coaching job last September. He’s a different batsman now and Younis has helped him too. They have a good relationship from batting together at Pallekele back in 2015 when Shan made his first Test hundred,” Misbah maintained.
Pakistan and England will meet again in the second Test starting on August 13 at Ageas Bowl, Southampton.