However, their sixth place in the ICC Test rankings will be playing at the back of Misbah’s mind but the right-handed batsman maintains his side is well-balanced and will give South Africa a tough time.
“We have a balanced side and I am really satisfied with the team I have,” Misbah told reporters. “In Test matches, we have to perform well and what I see is I have a good unit with me. We have all sorts of bowlers, batsmen and I am hoping to do well in the series.”
Pakistan have recalled former captain Younus Khan and with the late inclusion of Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah said that there was no reason for the team not to do well.
“With senior players back in the team we are looking forward to a good series though it would be tough,” said Misbah, who became the fourth player after Yousuf, Shahid Afridi and Salman Butt to lead Pakistan in Tests this calendar year.
History and form, however, make South Africa favourites to win with the Proteas coming out best in the last two Test series against Pakistan, home and away.
Misbah himself has not been in the best of touch either with the batsman dropped from the team after the second ODI. “It was part of the team requirement but here we are playing a different ball game.”
Misbah also ruled out that the Zulqarnain Haider episode will distract the team. “You have to look forward and that’s what we are doing. The team is now just focusing on the Test series,” added Misbah.
South Africa want to dominate Test format
Meanwhile, South Africa captain Graeme Smith has aimed for a clean sweep of the series in a bid to regain their dominance in the Test format.
“For us, it’s all about going out and adapting to the conditions and hopefully put Pakistan under pressure,” said Smith. “We have guys here who are specialists at this format. It’s a format we have been very successful in for three years. We’ve had good results around the world and we obviously want to carry that on.”
Dubai becomes 101st Test centre
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is set to become the world’s 101st Test venue when Pakistan and South Africa go head-to-head in their opening match. “Its looks like a pretty good surface. The pitch behaved well in the few ODIs played here,” said Pakistan coach Waqar Younis while Misbah suggested that spinners will play a key role.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 12th, 2010.
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