Dream comeback for veteran as Misbah named Test captain

PCB name recalled middle-order batsman Misbahul Haq Test captain for the series against South Africa.

LAHORE: While retaining Shahid Afridi as Pakistan’s One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 captain, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sprung yet another surprise as they named recalled middle-order batsman Misbahul Haq Test captain for the series against South Africa.

Misbah, who was dumped from the Pakistan squad after a poor show in New Zealand and Australia as well as the 2010 World Twenty20, was included in all three squads on Thursday and was named as Test captain, Pakistan’s fourth this year.

“The news first broke to me when I was practicing at a local ground in Faisalabad,” Misbah told The Express Tribune. “The comeback itself will be a tough challenge for me but being a captain adds the extra responsibility. I was always mentally prepared and physically fit to play for Pakistan in any form of cricket even if I’ve been out of the team for long.”

From plans of retirement to the helm

Misbah, 36, had been contemplating retirement and told The Express Tribune in July that he would call it a day by the end of next year with a view of performing well for Pakistan in the World Cup before that.

“It’s a privilege to captain Pakistan in Test cricket and I’m humbled by the confidence that the board has shown in me. I’ve captained my department side, my experience on the international circuit and my good relationship with the players will help me lead Pakistan.”

While announcing Misbah as the captain, the PCB also shortlisted a new-look squad for the two Tests against South Africa as it handed recalls to opener Taufeeq Umar – four years after last playing for Pakistan – and fast-bowler Mohammad Sami who has been in and out of the squad during the last year.

The selectors, though, showed confidence in the youngsters – Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq – and added Zulqarnain Haider’s name in the Test squad as well after the wicket-keeper was included in the ODI and Twenty20 squad to replace Kamran Akmal on Thursday.

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for the last two years after performing well in domestic cricket,” said Umar.

“I’ve been training at the National Cricket Academy am confident that I’ll justify the recall by scoring a feast of runs.”

Kaneria persisted with by selectors

The selectors also recalled leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, dropped after a poor show against Australia in the summer, who will share spin duties with Abdul Rehman and Saeed Ajmal.

Tanvir Ahmed, the only unused member of the Pakistan squad on the tour of England, hangs on to his place to provide backup to the frontline bowlers.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9^th, 2010.