Misbahul Haq named world's best captain

Under Misbah's leadership, Pakistan have beaten teams like Australia and England and have won in Sri Lanka as well

Pakistan Test skipper Misbahul Haq has been ranked number one test cricket captain by a British newspaper.     

The Telegraph has published a list of world's best test captains, who have been rated and ranked according to their leadership skills, major achievements and test scores.

1. Misbahul Haq

Misbah has been ranked top in the list and called 'One of the great captains - ever'.

PHOTO: AFP

To raise Pakistan cricket, first Misbah had to save it.

When he took over the Test captaincy in 2010, Pakistan were the pariahs of world cricket. Three of its players had been banned for spot-fixing. The game was on the verge of collapse.

Four Pakistani players were named in the spot-fixing scandal out of which three were charged with the crime. PHOTO COURTESY: SPORTS KEEDA

Out of this, Misbah crafted one of Pakistan's most successful teams in history.

Under his unflappable, cerebral leadership, Pakistan have beaten Australia and England, won in Sri Lanka and ascended to number three in the world, and all without being able to play at home.

All the while, Misbah has averaged 50 with the bat and scored the joint-fastest Test century of all time.

The rest of the rankings are as follows:

2. Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum, who rebuilt New Zealand from the humiliation of being bowled out for 45 by South Africa and took them to the brink of World Cup glory, has been positioned second by the paper. PHOTO: REUTERS

3. Angelo Mathews

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews, who had the captaincy thrust on him at age 25, has been placed at number three. PHOTO: AFP

4. Mushfiqur Rahim

Mushfiqur Rahim of Bangladesh, the captain of the fastest improving Test side currently in International cricket is at number four. PHOTO: AFP

5. Alastair Cook 

The captain which led England to reclaim Ashes this year, Alastair Cook, is at five. PHOTO: AFP

6. Hashim Amla 

The successor of Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla of South Africa is placed at number six. PHOTO: AFP

7. Virat Kohli

India's Virat Kohli, who made history by being the first player to score centuries in each of his first three Tests as captain, is at number seven. PHOTO: AFP

8. Michael Clarke 

Retiring Australia captain, Michael Clarke, is positioned at number eight. PHOTO: AFP

9. Denesh Ramdin

Denesh Ramdin of West Indies is at nine. PHOTO: AFP

This list is not according to the official ranking of International Cricket Council (ICC).