Cannot retire before Australia tour: Misbah-ul-Haq

42-year old evergreen Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq is not yet ready to quash rumors about his imminent retirement. The skipper of Pakistan, who has been linked with hanging up his boots for quite some time has stated that it is in the best interests of Pakistan Test cricket that he is continuing his liaison with the team. Pakistan will be travelling to Australia later this year for a Test series and Misbah will have to lead the team on the tough and arduous tour.

“It’s really difficult for me to leave the team on these difficult tours,” Misbah said. “That’s why I’m here on this tough series. I’ll be looking forward to that [Australia tour], but let’s see how it goes after this series, and how I plan my future. That could be really hard for someone young – even as a batsman to replace me in Australian conditions – and obviously, it would be a challenge for a young captain.

Speaking about more immediate matters, Misbah stated that he will endeavor to continue to fight as long as his body will allow him to do so. The 42-year old also added that the fourth Test was perhaps the most crucial one for them in the context of the Test series. “I will keep trying throughout this Test and if Pakistan needs me afterwards, that’s another point. I will think about that after the series but for the moment this is important for me and the Pakistan team. I will just go about this Test match.”

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“Yes, of course, it is a crucial Test for us,” he said. “A win will square the series and it will be really good for morale, also for the team, and it is very important for me also.

“Obviously, they have the momentum in their own conditions, they are confident but we believe we can come back from any position because this is a do or die Test match for us so we have to really play well.”

“I don’t have that sort of fear otherwise, I would have retired long ago,” he said. “I am always up for challenges and never thought of the results. I believe in just looking at the challenges and trying hard.”

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