Misbah puts whitewash down to teamwork

Skipper claims all 11 players delivered in the wins

ABU DHABI: Pakistan skipper Misbahul Haq has termed teamwork as the secret for the unbelievable turnaround that saw them go from being whitewashed in the ODI series to whitewashing the Australians in the Tests.

As many as nine centuries were scored by Pakistan in this series, while the spinners claimed a remarkable 30 out of the total 40 Australian wickets in the four innings.

The morale in the dressing room has never been higher this year and the players are back to being as tightly-knit as they were back in January when they defeated Sri Lanka to draw that Test series 1-1.

“The secret for our success was that our teamwork was very good throughout the series,” said Misbah. “Everyone with the bat was very disciplined, focused and determined. You name anybody; they all put in an important contribution for the team and we played well as a unit, which is a sign of a good team.”

Several records were made in this series, led by the brilliant Younus Khan, who was presented the man of the series award.

Younus was the team’s top-scorer with 468 runs at a staggering average of 156.00 and three centuries. Meanwhile, Azhar Ali (292) and Misbah (271) scored two centuries apiece and Ahmed Shahzad (183), Sarfaraz Ahmed (143) and Asad Shafiq (110) also scored important runs in the series.

The bowling unit was spearheaded by Zulfiqar Babar, who picked up 14 wickets, while Yasir Shah claimed 12. The two frontline spinners were ably supported by Imran Khan, who took five, and Muhammad Hafeez and Rahat Ali, who took four each.

“Everything went right for us batting, bowling and fielding, which is a really positive sign with the World Cup approaching,” added Misbah. “We’re clicking at the right time and we’ll try to build on this run and convert this performance in the ODI format.”

The skipper also praised the way his side overcame the recent setbacks and the inexperienced bowlers delivered under pressure. “Obviously it looked difficult without Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Wahab Riaz and Junaid Khan, but the self-belief made it easier for us,” he said. “We knew if we can post good totals, our bowling, despite being inexperienced, was capable enough to bowl them out.”

Pakistan will now take on New Zealand, and up first is a three-match Test series. Asked what he makes of New Zealand bowling coach Shane Bond’s remarks that Pakistan will be tired of playing so much cricket, Misbah replied that this is the right time for Pakistan to play as the World Cup. “I don’t think we’re tired but rather now have a lot of momentum on our side,” he argued. “I don’t see any weak link in our side because every batsman is in form, the bowlers are delivering and there shouldn’t be any doubts that we won’t play with consistency.”

 

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