UAE series: ‘Confident’ Misbah pledges to ‘work hard’ against England

Pakistan Test captain says Yasir Shah is a threat to every team and Cook-led men know that

Pakistan Test captain Misbahul Haq believes when they take on England in the UAE, it will be a new series and they will have to work hard on day-to-day and session-to-session basis to beat the visitors.

“It’s a new series, we have to play three more Test matches,” said Misbah at a press conference at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, as quoted by Sports360.

“It’s a different England team. Obviously we’re confident and playing good cricket but at the same time England is also playing good cricket.

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“We need to focus on our basics and we really need to work hard. That is what we’re looking for. We’re not just looking at the results. We’ll definitely go day by day, session by session.”

In 2012, Misbah-led Pakistan team dominated Andrew Strauss’ English side all thanks to the brilliance of off-spinner Saeed Ajmal and this time again he has an ace up his sleeve in the form of leggie Yasir Shah.

“The way he is bowling, I think [Yasir] is a threat to every team,” said Misbah.

“Obviously, England knows that and we also know that he is our strength. At the same time, I think it’s about all bowlers. They all have to play their role.

“To win a Test match or series you can’t just only focus on one bowler. It’s a team effort, as a team you have to really perform well.

“We know Yasir is our strength but also our fast bowlers will definitely play a key role here with the new ball, especially in Abu Dhabi.”

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Misbah also commented on Shoaib Malik’s return to the five-day format after five years and designated him to fill in the space created by Muhammad Hafeez’s bowling ban.

"It is pretty clear [Malik] is playing really well and in good form,” said Misbah.

“He is here especially for his bowling, because before that Hafeez was doing that for us and with England having four or five left-handers in their line-up we just thought about that and another option of off-spin, especially with the kind of form he is in.

“In this sort of heat, you need another bowler so I think that is a plus for us.”

The first Test of the three-match series starts in Abu Dhabi on October 13.