Today Pakistan will take on England in their first Test at Lord’s. Thursday’s match is going to be a milestone for Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq. The experienced batsman in Pakistan team, Misbah is now making his first Test tour of England at the advanced age of 42.
Under Misbah’s guidance, Pakistan have become tough to beat in the UAE and a competitive side abroad, traits reflected in their third place in the current world Test rankings , one position above England. Indeed they have yet to lose a Test series in their adopted home, with England beaten in two of those campaigns for an aggregate 5-0 scoreline in Pakistan’s favour.
Amir is making his return to Test cricket at Lord’s, the scene of the crime, Misbah had no problems in fending off enquiries about how long he intends to keep playing for Pakistan. “My retirement has been discussed every series,” Misbah told.
“I could have retired after the UAE against England (last year) — but we’ve been playing together for six years. I decided I need to be here in a tough series for Pakistan, and I really want to do well here,” he added.
Misbah has a fine Test record, with nearly 4,500 runs at an impressive average of nearly 49 in 61 matches. Yet for all his experience, there is still something special about playing a Test at “the home of cricket”.
“There are no nerves yet. That’s something you always wait for. It’s a big occasion. Everyone wants to play at Lord’s, just to perform well here and get the respect of every spectator and supporter,” he said.
But for Misbah, it is the health of the Pakistan team, rather than personal goals, which remains his priority. “If you analyse what we did in the last six years, it’s overall discipline, belief — consistently playing the same team. We missed bowlers , but Yasir Shah came in, and they’ve been outstanding,” Misbah told.