Misbah sees bright future despite Sri Lanka defeat
Pakistan lost the five-match one-day series 3-1 and three-Tests 1-0 on the tour which ended on Thursday. They levelled a two-match Twenty20 series 1-1.
The Test defeat ended Pakistan's unbeaten run of seven series since losing to England on the 2010 tour which was marred by spot-fixing allegations in the Lord's Test.
That unbeaten streak also included a 3-0 whitewash of world number one Test team England earlier this year.
Misbah, who captained Pakistan since their defeat against England in 2010, deplored the defeats on the Sri Lanka tour.
"Defeats in the one-days and Tests are disappointing," Misbah told reporters on the team's return home Saturday. "We could have won the one-day series but our fielding let us down in the last two matches."
Pakistan hired former Australian batsman Dav Whatmore as head coach and Englishman Julien Fountain as fielding coach earlier this year, but their fielding has still been a gray area.
"The Test defeat was also unfortunate. But the performance of young players like Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Junaid Khan assured Pakistan has a good future," said Misbah.
"Our junior players did very well in the Tests. Ali, Shafiq and Junaid have done well in the series and with their performance we can say that our future is secure," said Misbah.
"In difficult situations these players performed well for us. The way Adnan Akmal played (in Pallekele Test) with a fractured finger is a good sign. Junaid is a big plus."
Ali scored two hundreds in the Tests, while Shafiq hit a match-saving century in the final Test at Pallekele which ended in a draw.
Sri Lanka won the first Test in Galle by 209 runs while the rain-hit second Test in Colombo also ended without a result.
Left-arm paceman Junaid took 14 wickets in the three Tests, including five-wickets hauls in the second and third Tests.
Twenty20 captain Mohammad Hafeez said team's loss in the first T20 match was due to inexperience.
"We had a number of new players in the Twenty20 so the first match was lost because of inexperience but we came back well to win the second game," said Hafeez.
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Azhar, Shafiq and Junaid were promising. Younis Khan was once again a disgrace. With a ODI average of just 32 and a strike rate of only 75, it is a travesty to see him in the ODI team ahead of more deserving younger players like Imran Nazir, Shoaib Malik, Harris Sohail, Sami Aslam etc. Younis should be dropped from the ODI team for good. Also we need better fast bowlers to support Junaid Khan in test matches. Umar Gul is another over-rated loser. His test bowling average is about to reach the distinguished average of Mohammad Sami. Junaid needs some better help at the other end. Wish we had a fast bowler like Shoaib Akhter to support Junaid.
Disappointing tour of Sri Lanka. But the positive thing is that some young players have emerged. We must support them. Selection Committee should continue to select young players who can play for Pakistan around 10 to 12 years rather than players over 30 years as they only have 3 to 4 years cricket left. PCB should arrange psychological classes for the players to strong them mentally and give them confidence.
He is right . Team has a basic potential. One saw glimpses of it during Sri Lanka tour.Our players need encouragement. There is too much of moaning for developing a healthy mindset.