Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq. PHOTO: AFP.
Pakistan went down by an innings and 92 runs in the second Test in Dubai on Saturday as the two-match series finished level at 1-1.
It deprived Pakistan of adding to their only other series win over South Africa in 2003 and it once again highlighted their inconsistency after they had won the first Test in Abu Dhabi by seven wickets.
That had followed an embarrassing Test defeat to minnows Zimbabwe last month.
"I think the lack of consistency is because we depend on talent and talent can help you once or twice but for consistency you need commitment, hard work and attitude," said Misbah.
"We must accept that after one or two good performances we get relaxed."
Pakistan's top order once again faltered as they were bowled out for a paltry 99 in the first innings in Dubai, with opener Khurram Manzoor bagging a pair, a week after hitting 146 in Abu Dhabi.
"We need to work hard on mental strength, every innings is a new innings, if you have scored a 200 then the team expects the same from you in the other innings, you can't live on one hundred," said Misbah.
Misbah also blamed a lack of competitiveness in Pakistan's domestic cricket.
"I have been saying this for a long time that we must make our first-class cricket more competitive, that is why we are not mentally strong, we must improve on that, we need to be good all the time," said Misbah, 39.
"If a player doesn't come from a strong system he struggles, struggles even in one-day cricket, so we have to look at that.
"I think we are a bit disappointed, given the conditions in this Test. We lost because of one bad session," said Misbah of Pakistan's dismissal for 99 on day one in Dubai.
"The thing that is associated with us is that we are just so bad in one hour and one session and that hurts us, we want to improve on that in future otherwise such ups and downs can really hurt the team," added the captain, who praised young batsman Asad Shafiq.
"We can say that he is a developing player and that is very good for us because in the coming years you might not have me and Younis (Khan) so he is the one who can really gather Pakistan.
"He is the talent and I hope he can go on and play for a long time."
Shafiq hit a career best 130 in Dubai and added 197 for the fifth wicket with Misbah (88) before South Africa forced the win.
COMMENTS (5)
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I guess in present circumstances Misbah is the best choice for captaincy ..... he has been the mr. dependent for Pakistan for the last two (2) years. Too me he is the most calm and technically sound batsman we have in the team .... i am at a loss to understand that people keep criticizing him where as Misbah has from time to time prooved himself as a dependable player and captain!! best wishes MISBAH
very cool man in the history of Paks cric. despite of being abused and taunted. He plays every ball by deep thoughts and ideas which you can see in 2nd test with south africa when he hit a sixer to imran tahir that was much difficult. And i think he hits spinners sometimes very interestingly. Good Luck Misbah.
One of the most eligible man to have the incumbancy of captainship of pakistan team. for my amusement, the critics have been shut down as if they never existed. shame on the 'tuk tuk' people and all who tried to misjudge the class of misbah.
This man has proved his point in cricket,one of the best captains Pak has got but unfortunately Afridi monging fans have always bashed him!!
and we want some resignations!