Misbah, who was axed from the limited-overs squad in the UAE four matches into his comeback, is certain that Pakistan can win the tournament that starts from February.
“Pakistan has played most of its recent series in very tough conditions and gone through a very difficult time but that shouldn’t rule out it’s chances in the World Cup,” said Misbah while talking to media at the Gaddafi Stadium. “I admit we lack consistency at times but you can expect anything from this team. They can give opponents a tough time and produce their best when required.”
Pakistan cricket has endured a terrible year so far. Following a tour whitewash in Australia, Pakistan failed to make it to the Asia Cup final, lost the Twenty20, One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 series against England and the T20 and ODI series against South Africa in the UAE. The off-field controversies have also played their part.
“Ups and downs are part of life. The past needs to be forgotten, be it good or bad. We should not repeat our mistakes and focus on the New Zealand series followed by the World Cup. The focus must be there all the time.”
Misbah, 36, has been in and out of the team in the recent past and was a surprise choice as captain for the Test series against South Africa following Salman Butt’s suspension. However, he still feels he has a lot to offer Pakistan in every format of the game.
“Apart from Test cricket, I have kept myself fit for ODIs and Twenty20s but it’s up to the selectors and where they want me to play. But I’m focussed and enjoying my cricket.”
Confidence key to success
Misbah was dropped from the team after the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 and missed the team’s controversial tour of England in August 2010. Following the batting collapses that Pakistan suffered during that tour, the middle-order batsman was recalled for the subsequent series against South Africa in the UAE where he scored an unbeaten 71 in a 168-run partnership with Younus Khan that helped Pakistan draw the first Test.
“In cricket the most important aspect of the game is confidence,” said Misbah. “In the UAE, every batsman from top to bottom performed well and their confidence level is very good, which is the key to maintaining their performance. I admit conditions will be difficult in New Zealand but the confidence which is high right now will help us perform well.
“The Test format is a specialist form of cricket and needs no reshuffling but in limited-overs cricket, we have room for adjustment. But in Test cricket more we have a set pattern. Every player plays according to his role and must know what is required off him.”
Misbah suffers minor scare
Pakistan Test captain Misbahul Haq suffered a minor injury scare when he twisted his ankle at the ongoing training and fitness camp in Lahore.
The injury, according to the captain, is minor and will heal in the next two to three days despite Misbah having to pull out of training yesterday.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 14th, 2010.
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