‘Team on course for World Cup’
Misbah, also the team’s Test captain, returned to Pakistan along with the squad following a successful tour of New Zealand where it won the Test and the ODI series.
Early jitters were present in the Pakistan squad as they lost the Twenty20 series but secured a 1-0 win in the Test series and a 3-2 win in the limited-overs series that marked the end of the tour.
“The win against New Zealand was very important and was badly needed to boost the morale of the team prior to the World Cup,” said Misbah who also played down reports of a rift in the dressing room over the captaincy issue.
“There was no a rift in the squad and all the players remained united which is why we secured the wins. We will try and take this winning momentum in the World Cup.”
Misbah, who has been in prime form since making his comeback for the series against South Africa, has also vowed to maintain consistency leading into the tournament and play a leading role for the team.
“I’m very happy with my form and am hopeful to take it into the World Cup,” said Misbah who scored 231 runs in two Tests and 203 in the four ODI innings.
Akhtar hopeful of success
Meanwhile, fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar has also expressed optimism of the team’s chances in the tournament.
“We go into the event with a good series win and hopefully we’ll put on a good show,” he said while dismissing concerns about his fitness, saying he was ready to play his part in the important tournament.
“I have played continuously for Pakistan recently and that has helped me regain fitness. I am ready and eager to perform.”
Gul full of passion
Fellow fast-bowler Umar Gul, another experienced member of the squad, said he was full of passion ahead of the World Cup.
“We are very confident after the Tests and ODI series victory,” said Gul. “As a senior member of team, I know my responsibility and am full of passion, eager to play a key role for my team.”
Misbahul Haq
Top-scorer for Pakistan in the Test and ODI series, Misbah has become an important member of the squad. He hit three half-centuries in as many Test innings and two fifty-plus scores in four ODI innings on the tour.
Ahmed Shehzad
Shehzad blasted his maiden ODI century while also providing a safe pair of hands in the field. He scored 188 runs in the ODI series and, together with Mohammad Hafeez, gave Pakistan solid starts.
Umar Gul
Pakistan’s front-line fast-bowler remained the team’s highest wicket-taker in the Test series. However, Gul needs to step up a gear with hopes and responsibility on his shoulders for the mega event.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th, 2011.
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